Wines Chablis Grand Cru Dampt Frères - Blanchot - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Dampt Frères’ Chablis Grand Cru Cuvée Blanchot 2021 is a remarkable expression of Chardonnay, sourced from one of Chablis’s most prestigious Grand Cru climats. The 2021 vintage, shaped by a challenging growing season with cool temperatures and late frosts, has yielded wines of great finesse and energy. Blanchot, situated on the easternmost side of the Chablis Grand Cru slope, is renowned for its exceptional Kimmeridgian limestone soils, imparting a pronounced minerality and tension to the wine. This cuvée, vinified in a manner that respects the purity of the fruit and the essence of its terroir, offers fragrant notes of white flowers, citrus zest, ripe stone fruit and subtle hints of flint and oyster shell, all supported by a vibrant, racy acidity and a long, saline finish.

The Chablisien is situated in the northernmost part of Burgundy, where the cool continental climate slows grape ripening, preserving acidity and giving Chablis its signature freshness and precision. The region’s unique geology, marked by ancient limestone and fossil-rich soils, imparts an unmistakable mineral character to the wines. Chablis has a proud viticultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages, with the Grand Crus located on a south-west-facing slope overlooking the Serein river, providing ideal sun exposure and drainage.

When it comes to pairings, this Chablis Grand Cru shines alongside delicate seafood such as oysters, scallops or langoustines, where its mineral drive complements the brininess of the shellfish. It is a classic partner for Burgundy’s own gougères (cheese puffs) or a soufflé au fromage. It will also enhance dishes like turbot with beurre blanc, poached lobster or even veal in a creamy morel sauce, allowing the wine’s subtle complexity and nuanced richness to resonate with the food.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine cool, between 10 and 12°C. Allow a few moments for it to breathe in your glass, as its aromatic intricacies and textural depth will unfurl beautifully with aeration. This wine has potential for further cellaring, but its poise and purity make it already approachable and rewarding to drink.