Domaine Samuel Billaud Les Vaillons Vieilles Vignes Chablis 1er Cru 2023

At Samuel Billaud, the philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for Chablis’ terroir, with the goal of revealing each vineyard’s unique expression through careful and precise winemaking. The estate’s vineyards, with an average age of 40 years, are planted on the Kimmeridgian clay-limestone marl, a soil type that imparts the characteristic minerality and freshness for which Chablis is renowned. The vines are managed using sustainable practices such as disbudding and ploughing, which help preserve the purity of the Chablis terroir while promoting the healthy growth of the vines. Samuel’s sourcing strategy is equally focused on quality, building trusted relationships with local winegrowers to access the best grapes from the region’s most exceptional sites.

In the winery, Samuel Billaud is committed to maintaining balance and complexity in every wine. Fermentation is carefully monitored, with a focus on using low-temperature settling and gentle pressing to preserve the delicate flavours of the grapes. For certain Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines, Samuel favours fermentation in 450-litre barrels to add complexity, allowing the wines to interact with the lees and oxygen for optimal balance. Aging on fine lees in large containers enables the wines to develop mineral tension and freshness. After maturation, the wines are transferred to stainless steel vats for several months to emphasise their crispness and vibrancy. Through this process, Samuel Billaud’s wines reveal the true richness, elegance, and potential of the Chablis terroirs, reflecting the delicate balance between tradition and innovation.