Domaine de l'Enclos - Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2022
Born from the meticulous vision of Romain and Damien Bouchard, Domaine de l'Enclos champions demanding organic viticulture, perfectly suited to the Kimmeridgian limestone soils. The vines, cultivated with precision and harvested at optimal ripeness, yield Chardonnays that are precise, saline, and luminous. On Mont de Milieu, a south- to southeast-facing slope overlooking the Serein Valley, the estate seeks the chiseled tension and chalky depth that have made this Premier Cru so renowned.
The 2022 vintage boasts a consistently sunny character. Hand-harvested grapes, slow pressing, and careful settling preserve the purity of the juice. Fermentation takes place in vats and Burgundy barrels with judicious intervention. Aging on fine lees refines the saline structure and polishes the acidity, while a controlled amount of oak adds depth without masking the fruit. The final blend maintains a clear expression of the terroir and a focused energy despite the year's bounty.
The nose opens with white flowers, ripe lemon, and white peach, joined by a touch of fresh almond and a hint of damp stone. With aeration, oyster shell, a hint of verbena, and a subtle veil of hazelnut emerge. The palate is precise and satiny. The attack is crisp, followed by a heart of citrus and white fruit carried by a palpable chalky minerality. The mid-palate gains in breadth without losing its momentum, supported by a vibrant salinity. The finish is long, dry, and luminous, with a return of zest, chalk, and a lingering iodine note typical of Mont de Milieu.
At the table, this Premier Cru pairs well with flat oysters, seared scallops, roasted turbot with lemon butter, pike-perch with beurre blanc sauce, or free-range poultry in a creamy morel sauce. It also complements asparagus risotto, pan-fried chanterelles, and hard cheeses such as a mature Comté, whose sweetness highlights its acidity.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
