Product description
The Joseph Drouhin winery was founded in 1880 in Beaune by the young Joseph Drouhin, who—although he was originally from the Chablis region—moved his business to the capital of Burgundy to expand his wine trade and aging operations.Over time, the Drouhin family gradually acquired vineyards in various Burgundy appellations, including Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise, and established a branch in Oregon (Domaine Drouhin) in 1988.The name Drouhin-Vaudon is associated with the historic Vaudon estate—a watermill (“Moulin de Vaudon”) located on the Serein River, in the heart of the Chablis vineyards owned by the Drouhin family.The location of the vineyards in the Vauvillien Valley, between the Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre and Mont de Milieu, allows Drouhin-Vaudon’s wines to benefit from the limestone soil typical of Chablis —particularly the Kimmeridgian layers rich in marine microfossils, which impart their characteristic minerality.The Drouhins were pioneers of organic and biodynamic viticulture—since the 1980s.In the 20th century, they adopted organic farming practices, and since the 1990s.fully biodynamic in their own vineyards, focusing on minimal intervention and a faithful reflection of the terroir.
The production of this wine begins with a careful selection of Chardonnay grapes from the Drouhin family’s vineyards in the Vauvillien Valley, located near the borders of the Grand Cru and Premier Cru appellations.After being harvested by hand or partially by machine, the grape clusters are slowly pressed whole in a pneumatic press; the juice from the final pressings is separated from the free-run juice.Fermentation takes place in steel vats after clarification, and aging typically lasts 7 to 10 months, also in steel tanks, with minimal influence from wood.What makes this vintage unique is the combination of the lively acidity characteristic of cool years in Chablis with the rich expression of the Kimmeridgian subsoil’s minerality and a subtle hint of saltiness on the finish, resulting in a wine of elegance, tension, and great clarity of expression.
Appearance
In the glass, it displays a light straw color with delicate greenish highlights, indicating freshness and well-preserved acidity.
It is quite clear, with a bright color and no golden hues, suggesting that it did not undergo significant aging in oak barrels.
Aroma
The aroma is dominated by citrus—lemon zest and lime—complemented by a hint of green apples and subtle notes of ferns or herbs.
In addition, there are mineral notes (gray sea rock, chalk) and a subtle hint of saltiness or a sea breeze, characteristic of Chablis.
Flavor
On the palate, the wine displays lively, crisp acidity and a mineral structure, with distinct notes of acidity and saltiness, as well as slightly iodine-like and briny tones.
Citrus fruits and green apples create a crisp, fruity profile that gives way to a clean, long-lasting finish with hints of salt and a flinty edge.
Culinary Pairings
This wine pairs perfectly with seafood—such as oysters, clams, or scallops—served raw or lightly cooked.
It pairs just as well with fish dishes in citrus or herb sauces, as well as mild fresh cheeses, sushi, fish carpaccio, or light seafood salads.