Country: France Region: Burgundy Varietal: Chardonnay Vintage: 2011 Colour: White Style: Dry Producer: Domaine Corinne Perchaud Description: Corinne Perchaud is married to Chablis producer Jean-Pierre Grossot, and together they make a formidable pair... Like Grossot’s, her wines are elegant, intense and nervy with superb definition and a wonderful capacity for ageing. They have a small domaine in the commune of Fleys, just south of Chablis itself, with 18 hectares of vineyard divided into 13.35 hectares of Chablis and tiny holdings of Premier Crus: Vaucoupin (1.45 hectares), Fourchaume (0.75 hectares) and Les Fourneaux (1.60 hectares). The average age of the vines is 25 years, although Corinne’s steeply sloping Vaucoupin vines were planted back in 1962. Ageing Potential: 10 Years Vineyards The vines of Vaucoupin lie on a 1.45 hectare plot situated in the village of Chichée. Predominantly Kimmeridgian clay soil, with some chalk, the vineyard lines steep slopes that benefit from excellent sun exposure due to their southerly aspect, maximising ripeness in this northerly climate. The vines are an average of 48 years old and are double Guyot trained. Vintage information The relatively high temperatures in late winter allowed for early budding of the vines in early March. With a warm and dry spring, flowering occurred in good conditions. In July, a localised hailstorm did some damage on the Fourchaume plot. July and early August were also stormy and brought much needed rain to the vines. The dry and sunny weather in the second half of August resulted in grapes with good maturity and harvest began on the 2nd of September in mild conditions. Vinification The must was fermented in stainless steel, underwent malolactic fermentation and was then aged on its lees to increase body and complexity of aromas and flavours. The wine was lightly fined before being bottled 15 months after the harvest. Tasting Notes Wines from the 2011 vintage are expressive and vivacious. The Vaucoupin includes a great aromatic purity and roundness, giving a very balanced wine. The initial bouquet is floral, followed by aromas of orange and fresh pear. The palate is mineral with a citrus vein that continues through the finish. Food Matches:Poultry / Chicken / Duck / Turkey