PETIT CHABLIS
Defaix Frères
APPELLATION
Petit Chablis AOC
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Chardonnay
WINEMAKERS
Didier Defaix
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol
12%


Didier Defaix of Defaix Frères represents the 4th generation growers and the 2nd generation as an estate-bottled Domaine. The domaine was started in 1955 with only 2ha on Premiere Cru Côte de Lechet, the Domaine has now 27ha. It is currently run by brothers Didier and Sylvain Defaix, and Hélène Jaeger-Defaix (Didier’s wife). Hélène inherited the 4.5ha Domaine from her great-aunt in 2003 and Hélène and Didier vinified their first vintage in 2004. A historic family, Hélène’s great-grandfather, Henri Niepce, was instrumental in promoting and achieving Rully’s AOC status in the 1930s. Since 2009, the domaine has been employing organic and sustainable methods in the vineyards and utilization of natural indigenous yeast for all fermentations.
TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTESThe soils are from the Upper Jurassic period (Kimmeridgean only for all our plots). The Petit Chablis produced on the flatter ground.
WINEMAKING & AGEINGA complete analysis of each cuvée at the reception of the grape. Soft and slow pressing to extract the best juices. Slow alcoholic fermentation at 20°C on fine lees with natural yeasts to respect the personality of each terroir. Daily controls of temperature during the fermentation.
The wine is aged on its fine lees during eight months. The lees are moved around more or less frequently during the first months to complete the maturing of the wine. The vinification is entirely done in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and the typicity of the wine. Then the wine is bottled.
TASTING NOTESIts pale robe and its vivacity redolent of mineral hints convey the subtlety of the Chardonnay grape grown in this stony soil. This wine is perfectly suitable for an appetizer, with seafood, or as an accompaniment to a platter of salami. Serve around 10°C.