Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Les Fourneaux 2021 / 13% / 0.75 L

Samuel Billaud comes from a family with a centuries-old winemaking tradition in Chablis, which has operated under the name Billaud-Simon since 1815.After gaining extensive experience at Domaine Billaud-Simon, he decided in 2009 to launch his own labels and operate as an independent producer.His new facility was established in Chablis in 2015, in a building that had previously belonged to Stéphane Moreau-Naudet, designed to take advantage of gravity and minimize the need to pump the wine.Samuel Billaud focuses on sustainable and organic practices in the vineyards, minimal intervention in the cellar, and careful selection of plots.An interesting fact is that during the fermentation process, he allows the addition of fine lees, which—as he himself claims—helps build the wine’s complexity and texture while preserving its mineral freshness.

Les Fourneaux 2021 is a wine from a vineyard classified as Premier Cru (Les Fourneaux), which means it comes from the best sites in Chablis.During the winemaking process, the grapes are hand-sorted and gently pressed, and fermentation takes place partly in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, often with the addition of fine lees.The wine ages for a long time “sur lie” (on the yeast lees), which gives it a creamy texture and depth while preserving its crystalline mineral structure.What makes them unique is the balance between their lively acidity, pronounced minerality (flint), and a gentle “heft” resulting from contact with the lees—the wine combines lightness and intensity.

Appearance: In the glass, it displays a pale straw-yellow hue with delicate greenish highlights, typical of Chardonnay from a cool climate region.You can see a subtle brilliance and lightness—the wine doesn't look too heavy.

Aroma: The aroma reveals distinct notes of flint and gunflint, along with a mineral spark that is typical of Chablis.Alongside it, there are notes of white flowers, citrus (lemon zest), and subtle hints of beeswax or resin.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is dynamic and taut—the acidity is lively yet well integrated with the body.A hint of sea salt (salinity) emerges, followed by a long finish with a mineral, almost noble steel-like aftertaste that lingers for a long time.

Food Pairings: This wine pairs perfectly with seafood—especially oysters, lobster, and crab—where its acidity and mineral notes complement the oceanic flavors.It also pairs perfectly with delicate fish dishes—such as those served with lemon sauce or a butter emulsion—and goes well with white-meat dishes in a light sauce.