This month’s WOTM features another fantastic bottle picked up last month in Burgundy. As made deliciously clear during my trip, what makes Bourgogne wine so damn fine is the terroir. And Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fèvre’s range of Grand Cru Les Preuses appellation Chablis offers a case study into why this region is famous for its Chardonnays. Grown on an exposed southwest slope with soil of marl and especially chalky limestone, Les Preuses vines are able to develop their roots a little more than usual and thus soak up some extra yum for a more pronounced expression of the land, the climate … the terroir.
So how does such a pronounced expression taste? Mineral and citrus notes meld with hints of almond and honey for a balanced and complex slurp that certainly wowed my palate. It’s a tad earthy too – with some characteristic mushroom-iness about it. The full bodied texture’s kinda oily (I mean this as a compliment if my terminology puts you off). This beaut is a no brainer choice of white to tag along with seafood – I reckon oysters would be a particularly tasty match.
I’m happy to report it teamed up nicely with some late spring risotto too. The neighbours were kind enough to have Kemey and me over to theirs for a delicious home cooked dinner (risotto was the main). We reciprocated with my bottle of 06. Everyone was pleased, and the convo flowed all friendly like deep into the night.
After a few years maturing, the 2006 is definitely ready to drink now (but should only get better over the next ten years). Wine-searcher.com puts it at an average price of £45. I’d say that’s value for money. Find out more about Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fèvre at nathalieetgillesfevre.com.
