Presentation
A leading voice in Chablis, Clotilde Davenne crafts crystalline wines that reflect the purity of her terroirs. Based in Préhy, she works with Chardonnay and Aligoté on Kimmeridgian soils, favoring a style of elegance and tension. She practices sustainable viticulture and vinifies in stainless steel to preserve the natural freshness of the fruit. Her Chablis are known for their citrus aromas, saline edge, and mineral length true to the best expressions of the appellation. Beyond Chablis, her Irancy reds and Bourgogne Aligoté whites display the same attention to detail and aromatic precision, making her a benchmark in northern Burgundy.
Location
Clotilde Davenne’s Chablis Vieilles Vignes comes from parcels located in Préhy, southwest of the village of Chablis, within the historic zone of the appellation. These plots are planted on well-exposed slopes at around 250 meters in altitude, mostly facing southeast, allowing morning light to enhance ripening while maintaining freshness. The vines, over 60 years old, have deep roots that draw from the subsoil's full mineral complexity. Their advanced age ensures naturally low yields, leading to concentrated, complex grapes ideal for structured, age-worthy white wines.
Terroir
The terroir is classic Chablis, rooted in Kimmeridgian soils rich in limestone and fossilized marine organisms. This geological composition gives the wine its signature minerality and remarkable tension. The old vines produce low yields, resulting in a pure, intense expression of chardonnay with elegant salinity. The cool continental climate provides fresh nights and sunny days, encouraging slow ripening and preserving acidity. The result is a precise, chiseled, and energetic wine with a defined aging potential and crystalline purity.
In the vineyard
Clotilde Davenne practices environmentally conscious viticulture, with no herbicides or insecticides, and favors mechanical soil work to promote microbial life. Natural grass cover is maintained to reduce erosion and support biodiversity. Treatments are applied only when needed, based on careful vineyard observation. Old vines are short-pruned to control yields and maintain grape quality. This sustainable and meticulous approach ensures healthy, ripe, and balanced fruit, perfectly aligned with the pure, mineral-driven style of Chablis Vieilles Vignes.
Harvest
Harvesting is done by hand with strict sorting in the vineyard to ensure only the best fruit is used.
Winemaking
Grapes are gently pressed using pneumatic presses to extract the finest juice. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and aromatic clarity.
Ageing
The wine is then aged on fine lees for 12 months without oak, in order to keep the pure expression of the terroir. No bâtonnage is performed, preserving a straight and focused profile. This precise vinification highlights the finesse and depth of old-vine chardonnay.
Varietal
Chardonnay : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 60 years old
Serving
Serve between 10–12°C.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
On the palate, this Chablis Vieilles Vignes impresses with its complexity and depth. The nose reveals notes of white flowers, preserved lemon, fresh pear, and oyster shell. The attack is vibrant and mineral-driven, with a textured yet weightless mid-palate supported by a fine acidity. The finish is long, saline, and precise. This is a gastronomic wine, elegant and structured, with vibrant energy and potential for aging, but also beautiful expression in its youth.
Food pairings
This Chablis Vieilles Vignes pairs perfectly with refined, textured dishes that highlight its structure and freshness. It shines with monkfish in ginger cream sauce, roasted chicken with preserved lemon and fresh herbs, or root vegetable gratin with aged parmesan. On the sweet side, it complements nougat parfait with dried fruits, marinated pineapple carpaccio with lime, or orange blossom and honey cream. With its tension, minerality, and aromatic finesse, this wine offers endless pairing possibilities while maintaining its signature clarity.
