Sebastien Dampt. Les Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2023

 

Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons

Burgundy Chardonnay

Domaine Sébastien Dampt is located in Milly, just west of the village of Chablis. The name of this village may not be well known, but its location is extremely beautiful. It is wedged under the premier cru Côte de Léchet and a little further south lies the premier cru Vaillons. Sébastien has plots in both crus. Although Vaillons may be more famous than Côte de Léchet, according to Sébastien, tasters often prefer the latter when the two are served blind side by side.

Sébastien's plot in Côte de Léchet faces southeast. This ensures that the grapes can ripen optimally. The sticks are more than 50 years old. The wines from this premier cru are characterized by concentrated fruit and exceptional minerality. They are also excellent at aging. It's no coincidence that his grandfather always kept a few boxes of them.

In terms of vinification, Sébastien keeps it simple. His approach is traditional, as he learned from his father and grandfather. In Chablis this means fermentation and maturation in steel tanks. Sébastien does not use winemaking techniques such as battonage or wood aging; he is all about pure grape and terroir expression. The wine does undergo the usual malolactic fermentation in Chablis, which rounds out the acidity just a little bit more.

With this impressive premier cru, Dampt proves that top-class chardonnay does not always require wood. Less is definitely more in this case. Drink this beautiful wine preferably with a rich fish dish, mushrooms or creamy Burgundy cheese. And don't forget to put away a few bottles, just like Sébastien's grandfather.