Chablis Bougros Grand cru  2022

BILLAUD-SIMON

Chablis Bougros Grand cru
2022

  • In conversion
Country
France
Regulated designation
Appellation origine controlée (AOC)
Region
Burgundy
Subregion
Yonne
Appellation
Chablis Bougros
Classification
Grand cru
Varietal(s)
Chardonnay 100 %
Alcohol percentage
13%
Colour
White
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website

About this winery

Domaine Billaud-Simon has been producing Chablis wines since 1815 and are known for their mineral driven, pure, elegant and fresh Chablis. The Domaine was created by Charles Louis Noël Billaud in 1815 following his return to his family’s land from the Napoleonic wars. His wines quickly garnered a reputation for quality wines. The Domaine’s vineyard holdings grew quite considerably in the 1930’s following the marriage of Charles Louis’ grandson, Jean Billaud to Renée Simon. Jean...

See the BILLAUD-SIMON detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

The name of this climat – that can be spelt in several different ways - originates from its geographical location. It lies at the foot of the ‘Bougros’ hillside. The Serein river runs just a few metres from here and was often flooded in the past. For this reason, the pathway led along ‘la pierreuse’, just before ‘boquereau’ and became ‘Bougros’ over time meaning ‘a narrow pathway next to the water’s edge’ (Bouque in old French means ‘narrowing’).

Production notes

The grapes are picked and sorted manually on a vibrating sorting table to retain only the healthiest fruit. The grapes are drained naturally before being pressed using a pneumatic press gently to extract the juices and conserve as much aroma as possible. Static cold settling of the musts for 12 to 24 hours in stainless steel vats to obtain a bright, clear juice. Alcoholic fermentation is followed by malolactic fermentation, both natural, in stainless steel vats. 15 to 18 months in stainless steel vats with, if necessary, some time spent in French oak barrels to preserve freshness and minerality whilst bringing complexity and richness to the wine. The wine is racked twice before being bottled at the end of Autumn.

Tasting notes

A remarkably rich Grand Cru. The nose reveals intense mineral notes combined with aromas of candied fruits. The palate is rich and unctuous with notes of gingerbread. The structure is both firm and round. Elegant finish with lingering saline notes.

Press reviews

Burghound.com

(92-94) Points

October 2023 (Vintage 2022)

(from a purchase of must). Be aware that Bailly noted that to this point the Bougros had only seen contact with stainless steel though it’s possible he may rack it into barrel for a few months before it’s bottled. A cool and reserved nose grudgingly offers up a combination of pronounced smoky mineral reduction, quinine and ocean breeze. The powerful, concentrated and muscular big-bodied flavors possess a lovely sense of underlying tension that also suffuses the crisp, very dry and beautifully long finish. This isn’t refined, indeed it’s borderline rustic but then again, elegance isn’t why one buys Bougros.

See detailed press review