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
The "Paradis" plot is located on the upper slopes of Irancy, in the Yonne region, southwest of Auxerre. This steep, south-facing hillside enjoys full sun exposure while remaining sheltered from cold winds. Overlooking the village, it offers one of the most renowned terroirs of the appellation. Its elevated position allows for full ripening of pinot noir while maintaining freshness and tension thanks to altitude. The dry, sunny microclimate and well-drained soils yield grapes that are concentrated, balanced, and expressive.
Terroir
The terroir of Paradis is based on Jurassic limestone, mixed with marl and iron-rich red clay. This combination provides both power and finesse, with a discreet mineral edge and deep aromatic complexity. The shallow soils force the roots to go deep, enhancing the natural concentration of the grapes. This emblematic Irancy terroir is ideal for pinot noir, and sometimes includes a small amount of césar. It produces wines that are fleshy yet elegant, with notes of black fruit, sweet spice, and a defined tannic structure.
In the vineyard
The vineyard is farmed sustainably, with each plot managed with care. No herbicides are used. Soils are mechanically tilled to support microbial life, and natural grass is managed to limit erosion and promote biodiversity. Yields are kept low, vines are short-pruned, and manual leaf-thinning ensures optimal ripeness and airflow. Clotilde Davenne focuses on preserving the vine’s natural balance, resulting in healthy, concentrated grapes that reflect the vintage and terroir with precision.
Harvest
Harvesting is done by hand at full ripeness, with careful sorting in the vineyard. Grapes are gently transported to the cellar and partially destemmed depending on the vintage.
Winemaking
Maceration lasts 15 to 18 days, with gentle pump-overs to extract color, aroma, and tannin without excess. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts.
Ageing
After pressing, the wine is aged for 12 months in a mix of stainless steel tanks and used oak barrels, with no new wood, to preserve the wine’s purity. Bottling is done with minimal filtration and no fining.
Specifications
Age of vines : 55 years old
Serving
Serve between 14–16°C.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
On the palate, Irancy Paradis opens with intense aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, violet, and a hint of smoke. The attack is smooth, expanding into a silky yet structured mouthfeel. Tannins are fine and integrated, supported by lively acidity that carries the wine through a fresh, mineral finish. Flavors of dark fruit, soft licorice, and subtle spice linger. It’s a wine of character, precise yet warm that gains complexity with a few years of aging but already impresses with its balance and aromatic clarity in youth.
Food pairings
Irancy Paradis is a delicately structured red wine that pairs beautifully with both classic and unexpected dishes. It’s a natural companion to duck breast with black cherries, lamb tagine with prunes, or a wild mushroom pie. For dessert, it surprises with dark chocolate fondant with sea salt, roasted fig compote with spiced red wine, or a blueberry clafoutis. With its fine structure, vibrant freshness, and complex aromatic profile, this is a wine that speaks to both the senses and the soul.
