2022 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru Montee de Tonnerre

Domaine William Fèvre and the Chablis region

Domaine William Fèvre has been one of the leading producers of Chablis for decades. The estate is located around the town of Chablis in the northern part of Burgundy, where cool nights, sunny days, and chalky soils converge. The area is known for its Kimmeridgian subsoil, rich in fossil oysters and clay, which imparts tension, minerality, and a characteristic salinity. This combination makes Chablis one of the most recognizable white wines in the world.

The estate owns approximately 78 hectares across the appellation, covering Chablis, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru. Under the leadership of Didier Séguier, the Fèvre style has evolved into a pure and precise wine, with a focus on ripeness, freshness, and terroir. The wines have been produced organically for many years, and the 2022 harvest marks the penultimate step in the official transition to full organic certification. This long-term approach has resulted in wines with greater tension and definition, something particularly praised in recent vintages.

The estate was recently acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), a move that many believe secures Fèvre's future. The team's vision, management, and meticulous approach remain unchanged, and the estate is entering a new phase with enhanced resources and expertise.

Montée de Tonnerre and the characteristics of the vineyard

The Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre is often mentioned in the same breath as the Grand Cru vineyards. This is due to its location on the same ridge, its southeasterly to southerly exposure, and the steep slopes that ensure optimal ripening. The terroir consists of Kimmeridgian limestone, clay, and a thin topsoil that forces the roots to penetrate deeply. This results in a wine that combines power and tension.

Domaine William Fèvre operates here with low yields and meticulous selection. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and immediately chilled to preserve freshness. The combination of ripeness, structure, and natural acidity makes Montée de Tonnerre one of the most coveted Premier Cru plots in Chablis.

Harvest, fermentation and maturation of the 2022 vintage

The 2022 vintage produced healthy grapes with an excellent balance of ripe fruit and lively acidity. The interplay of a warm summer and timely rainfall in August ensured the Chardonnay retained sufficient tension. The harvest was conducted calmly and carefully, ensuring only perfectly ripe fruit was used.

For vinification, the estate opts for a combination of stainless steel and reclaimed oak barrels. Primary fermentation takes place largely in stainless steel for freshness, while a smaller portion is fermented in neutral wooden barrels to give the wine structure. Maturation lasts approximately ten to fifteen months. The barrels are old enough not to impart new wood aromas, but they do provide additional depth.

The 2022 Montée de Tonnerre is described as satiny, deep, and layered. It displays tension and precision not typically found in 2022 Chablis. Its structure makes it a wine clearly designed for aging, as its profile exhibits both density and vibrancy. Connoisseurs and sommeliers will appreciate this vintage for cellaring, allowing it to develop further.

Color, smell and taste of the 2022 Montée de Tonnerre

In the glass, the color is a bright light gold with a subtle sheen. The aroma opens with ripe orchard fruits, citrus oil, white flowers, and a distinct wet-stony minerality. This aroma profile is typical of Montée de Tonnerre, but this year it is particularly refined and precise.

The palate is medium to full-bodied, with a layered structure and a satin texture. The wine remains taut and energetic, carried by lively acidity that perfectly balances the depth of the fruit. The minerality provides tension and length, while the finish slowly unfolds with notes of citrus zest and lime. The wine is still young and shows great potential for aging well beyond 2030. The profile is clearly built for the cellar, but already guarantees an intense and precise glass of Chablis.

Would you like to order Domaine William Fèvre wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Turbot with lemon butter and capers. The fish's fine texture complements the fresh acidity and chalky minerality.
• Grilled scallops with a hint of lime and pea purée. The creamy texture of the scallops is beautifully supported by the tension of the wine.
• Guinea fowl with mushrooms and potato mousseline. The elegant wild notes and earthy flavors combine well with the layered texture.
• Lobster risotto with light cream. The wine enhances the sweetness of the lobster and keeps the dish fresh.
• Veal tenderloin with sage and lemon. The refined acidity and clean profile provide balance to this rich dish.
• Oysters with a splash of lemon. The briny notes complement the minerality of this Premier Cru perfectly.

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