Wines Chablis Simonnet-Febvre - Fourchaume - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Simonnet-Febvre's Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume 2023 is a classic example of a refined Burgundy white. Crafted solely from Chardonnay, as is traditional in Chablis, this Premier Cru showcases the purity of the grape and the unique terroir of the Fourchaume climat, one of the most esteemed sites along the right bank of the Serein River. The 2023 vintage benefited from favourable weather, granting the wine a lively freshness and crystalline minerality. Vinification is precise, with careful temperature control during fermentation and minimal use of oak, allowing the subtle nuances of the fruit and the stony character of the soil to shine through. Expect aromas of white blossom, citrus peel, green apple and a delicate note of oyster shell, while the palate offers tension, vibrant acidity and a lingering, saline finish.

The Chablisien region, nestled in the northernmost part of Burgundy, is marked by its unique Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils, rich in fossilised marine life, which impart a distinctive flinty minerality to the wines. The cool continental climate ensures grapes ripen slowly, preserving acidity and aromatic clarity. Chablis has a long and proud history: its vineyards were first cultivated in the Middle Ages by Cistercian monks, and today the wines are celebrated for their precision and elegance.

As for food pairing, this Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume partners beautifully with fresh seafood such as oysters, scallops or langoustines, enhancing the briny sweetness of the shellfish. It would also elevate a classic dish like sole meunière, or regional delicacies such as pike in a Chablis sauce. For a vegetarian option, consider a creamy risotto with garden peas or a goat’s cheese tart.

To fully appreciate the delicacy and freshness of this wine, serve it chilled, ideally between 10 and 12°C. A short decanting or letting the wine open in the glass will help to reveal its intricate aromas. The wine will continue to evolve gracefully in the bottle for several years, gaining complexity and depth.