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 Bourgogne Côtes d’Auxerre Rouge is made from vines planted in the southern part of the Yonne, around the village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, on the best-exposed hillsides of the region. Located between 200 and 280 meters above sea level, the plots enjoy south and southeast exposures that favor optimal ripening of the pinot noir. The continental climate, with strong day-night temperature shifts, helps retain acidity while developing aromatic concentration. These conditions produce fresh, elegant, and structured reds with a true Burgundian identity.
Terroir
The terroir consists of Upper Jurassic limestone mixed with white and brown marls. These poor, well-drained soils are ideal for pinot noir, offering both depth and finesse. The high active limestone content enhances mineral expression, while the marly structure adds roundness and suppleness. The subsoil absorbs excess water and keeps the roots cool in summer. This terroir brings a delicate balance between fruit, structure, and tension, resulting in a wine that is both vibrant and refined, perfectly reflecting the character of northern Burgundy.
In the vineyard
Clotilde Davenne follows a sustainable viticulture approach, carefully adapting practices to each plot. The soils are worked without herbicides to maintain microbial life and biodiversity. Natural grass cover is controlled to prevent erosion and moderate vine vigor. Treatments are applied only when necessary, based on the health of the vineyard and the vintage conditions. Vines are pruned short, yields are managed, and manual leaf-thinning ensures optimal ripeness. This daily attention helps produce clean, expressive wines that respect both vine and environment.
Harvest
Harvesting is done by hand to preserve the integrity of the bunches. Careful sorting is carried out in the vineyard to select only the ripest, healthiest grapes. Grapes are swiftly transported to the winery, destemmed, and transferred to tanks by gravity. Fermentation is spontaneous using native yeasts, allowing authentic terroir expression. Gentle pump-overs are used during fermentation to extract color and structure without harshness. This precision preserves the finesse and balance of the pinot noir.
Winemaking
Maceration takes place in stainless steel tanks with daily punching down for one week, followed by pneumatic pressing. Fermentation continues in stainless steel tanks. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are spontaneous, temperature-controlled, and carried out 100%.
Ageing
After pressing, the wine is aged for 12 months in a combination of stainless steel and older oak barrels, with no new wood, to preserve freshness and fruit character. Ageing on fine lees adds silkiness and structure without heaviness. No fining is used, and filtration is light to maintain the wine’s integrity. This discreet, careful process highlights the purity of pinot noir in a bright, sincere expression of the Côtes d’Auxerre.
Varietal
Pinot Noir : 100%
Specifications
Serving
Serve between 13–15°C.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
The wine shows an intense ruby color, clear and brilliant. The nose reveals aromas of red fruits like cherry and strawberry, accompanied by spices such as black pepper and highlighted by mineral notes. On the palate, the attack is fruity; the wine is silky with subtle tannins. Red fruit flavors especially cherry and wild strawberry blend elegantly with hints of licorice and the mineral expression of the terroir.
Food pairings
This Bourgogne red pairs well with a wide range of dishes thanks to its balance of freshness and delicacy. Try it with roasted duck breast with sweet spices, wild mushroom ravioli in light cream, or shakshuka with fresh tomatoes and garden herbs. On the sweet side, it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate fondant, poached pear in spiced wine, or cherry-basil sorbet. Its silky texture, natural freshness, and subtle depth make it a modern, versatile red wine perfect for everyday or refined meals.
