A broad and textured Premier Cru Chablis assembled from selected vineyards on both banks of the Serein.
The 2022 Grande Cuvée combines ripe citrus and yellow stone fruit with bergamot, subtle brioche and mineral notes. Fermentation and aging in both stainless steel and oak give the wine more breadth and texture than La Chablisienne’s entirely stainless-steel cuvées, while retaining the acidity and mineral character expected of Chablis.
Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru
Vintage: 2022
Producer: La Chablisienne
Cuvée: Grande Cuvée
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Soils: Kimmeridgian Clay-Limestone
Vine Age: Approximately 25 Years
Vineyards: Selected Premier Cru Parcels from Both Banks of the Serein
Exposure: South-East & South-West
Vinification: Stainless Steel & Oak Barrels
Aging: Approximately 12 Months on Fine Lees in Tanks & Barrels
Style: Dry White Wine
Nose:
Bergamot and fresh lemon initially, followed by citrus zest, peach and apricot. With air, subtle brioche and pastry notes become more apparent.
Palate:
Full and relatively rich for Chablis, with ripe citrus and yellow stone fruit supported by fresh acidity. Light herbal notes provide contrast to the broader fruit and lees-derived texture.
Structure:
Medium-bodied with good concentration. The combination of tank and barrel fermentation provides additional volume without obscuring the wine’s freshness.
Finish:
Persistent and dry, with citrus, mineral notes and a slight bitterness that gives the finish additional tension.
Grande Cuvée is La Chablisienne’s blended expression of Chablis Premier Cru.
Rather than representing a single climat such as Vaillons or Fourchaume, the wine combines selected Premier Cru parcels situated on both the right and left banks of the Serein.
The vineyards are predominantly on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils, with south-east and south-west exposures and an average vine age of about 25 years.
Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels, followed by approximately 12 months of aging on the fine lees.
This approach gives Grande Cuvée a broader and more textured profile than a purely stainless-steel Chablis while retaining the acidity and mineral definition of the appellation.
The 2022 vintage produced ripe, concentrated Chardonnay in Chablis while retaining enough acidity to stay fresh.
In Grande Cuvée, the vintage shows through notes of ripe citrus, peach and apricot rather than particularly austere green fruit.
The lees aging and partial use of oak add breadth and subtle brioche notes, while citrus acidity and a slightly bitter finish provide balance.
The result is a relatively generous expression of Premier Cru Chablis, but one that remains controlled and fresh.
Drink: Now–2032
Preferred Window: 2026–2030
The 2022 is ready to drink now.
At this stage, it retains clear citrus and stone-fruit character, while the barrel and lees elements are becoming increasingly integrated.
For those who prefer Chablis with more developed complexity, another two to four years should bring greater integration and introduce notes of almond, beeswax, dried citrus, and more pronounced mineral character.
Well-stored bottles should continue to develop into the early 2030s, although there is no particular need to delay opening the wine.
Allow approximately 20–30 minutes in the glass or open bottle before serving.
Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
The added texture of Grande Cuvée lets it pair with richer dishes than a lighter, entirely stainless-steel Chablis.
Recommended Pairings:
Scallops · Langoustines · Lobster · Crab · Turbot · Dover Sole · Cod · Grilled Prawns · Roast Chicken · Veal · Mushroom Risotto · Goat Cheese · Comté
Pair with seared scallops, grilled langoustines or Dover sole with a light butter sauce.
The wine has sufficient texture to handle butter and richer seafood preparations, while its citrus acidity maintains freshness.
It also suits roast chicken or veal, particularly with mushrooms or a restrained cream sauce.
Compared with the 2022 Neutre Vaillons, Grande Cuvée is the broader and more textured wine. The Neutre emphasizes stainless-steel purity, citrus, and mineral precision; Grande Cuvée adds barrel and lees influence, giving greater roundness, stone-fruit character, and subtle brioche complexity.
