Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru “Vaillon” 2013

Daniel-Etienne Defaix is ​​a prominent figure in the winemaking culture of Burgundy. This winemaker is renowned for his unwavering commitment to traditional methods as well as an excellent understanding of the terroir. The Defaix estate is located in the Chablis sub-region, which is well known for its special Chardonnay wines. Defaix's approach is distinguished by its firm commitment to organic and biodynamic methods that maintain a symbiotic relationship between vines, soil and environment. This holistic approach contributes to the purity and authenticity of the wines, allowing the unique characteristics of the terroir to express themselves. This winemaker's cellar, where wines are aged only in traditional oak casks, is a sign of respect for heritage. Defaix uses a method known as sur lie, where the wines are aged on lees. It adds complexity and depth to the wines, truly unlocking their character. Daniel-Etienne Defaix's wines are a testament to his enduring passion and dedication. These wines embody tradition, terroir and a deep connection to the land.

Despite the fact that Chablis is considered to be a part of the Bourgogne region, it is located quite far in the North. Locals don't consider it to be germane to the region because Chablis is more independent from the general rules, has different laws, climate and soil. Chardonnay is the only grape allowed here. The wines of Chablis are white and dry, with an expressed minerality that is dominated by notes of nuts and citrus. The vineyards of Chablis were once a seabed creating a soil called Kimmeridgian which gives wine the numerous qualities that make it absolutely unique. If you are looking for a true French wine finesse and elegance - Chablis is the way to go.

Burgundy (Bourgogne) can be confusing because of the multiplicity of its appellations - all the small vineyards are divided between multiple producers so it can often be difficult to understand this diversity. However, it is the exact reason why the wines of Burgundy are considered to be the finest in the world. A common topic of discussion, when talking about Burgundy, is the concept of "terroir" - a unique combination of soil and climate conditions that affects the taste of wine in the appellations, making it unique to each village. Winemakers mainly use the capricious Pinot Noir and the classical Chardonnay to create true masterpieces, while Gamay and Aligote are used to make wines of a bit simpler style. Particular attention should be paid to the hierarchy of wines. First there are the regional and village wines, a step higher - the Premier Cru wines and the outstanding Grand Cru - at the top. Due the complex and inconsistent weather that can notably impact wine quality especially in bad harvest years, a very important factor here is the so called millesime - the harvest year of the grapes the particular wine is produced of, because each of these years has its own unique taste. Purchasing Burgundy wines is not easy because there are many details that should be taken into consideration - the class of the vineyard, the assessment of the manufacturer, the age of the vines, the quality of the wine as well as the millesime and, of course, the potential of ageing. The sellers play a big role here - they must be truly passionate about wine and able to offer only the best quality producers with a good reputation. That is exactly the way "Noble Wine" works!