Tasting Notes
The story
Domaine Lavantureux has been the Lavantureux family's estate for many generations. Today, the Lavantureux brothers - David and Arnaud - perpetuate the family tradition. The Chablis parcels are located in the communes of Lignorelles, Ligny le Chatel and Beine, all with different terroirs. The follow the principles of "viticulture intégrée" which means minimum intervention, no weeding or pesticides etc.
The 13 hectares of Chablis vines are between 25 and 30 years of age; yields and temperatures are controlled to bring out all the aromas and to keep the wine's fresh and mineral characteristics. The medium body is partly a result of leaving the wine on its lees (effectively the dead yeast) for 6 months before bottling.
The wine
If you like unoaked Chardonnay, this is one for you; it is classic Chablis categorised as a crisp, light white wine but with more of a medium body. It is starting to develop the Chablis-esque butteriness that will make it richer as it develops in bottle. The aromas seem quite delicate at first and you may need to swirl your glass to open up the citrus fruits and floral notes.
On the palate there is more intensity of citrus fruits, lemon oil, apples plus minerality and floral notes of orange-blossom and honeysuckle - but a good slurp and swill around the mouth will make the flavours jump out a little more. There is a refreshing acidity combined with a smooth texture and a really, really long, lemony finish. Lovely!
Delicious on its own or with food, this wine is very drinkable now and will develop further richness over the next 2 - 3 years. If I say so myself it is also pretty good value given the rise in Chablis prices particularly following the disastrous weather in the region in 2016.
This wine features on Nobu London's wine list
Food Pairing
Recommended for drinking with oysters, other shellfish and fish generally, foie gras, chicken, fruit-based desserts. The producers recommend also mountain cheeses such as Beaufort and Comté.
Producer's Notes
"On the nose, this Chablis expresses itself to the full, with beautiful floral aromas gently carried by the wine’s freshness. On the palate, the refined bouquet develops citrus notes before white flower and fruit aromas come through again. Fresh, supple and precise, it possesses a mineral intensity which gives it a lovely length on the palate."
