Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu

Since 2009, when he left the family business and set up his own winery, Samuel Billaud has become one of Chablis’ top producers. From his own 4 hectares of vineyards, which he sometimes complements by buying grapes from local vignerons, this master makes elegant, smooth wines “of unfailing precision” (as Guillermo Kelley, critic for The Wine Advocate, states as part of his score).

Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu is one of those wines. This is a white, single-variety Chardonnay (the area’s queen grape), which comes to life in Mont de Milieu, one of the climats protected under the A.O.C. Chablis Premier Cru, which is located on the left bank of the Serein River, very close to the town of Chablis. This denomination, which was established in 1938, was created to group and protect these dry and mineral wines. Their secret lies not only in their climate, with hot summers and cold winters with frost, but also in their soil. This Burgundy region stretches over a limestone bedrock, known as Kimmeridgean, formed by various shells and fossils that were deposited 150 million years ago. These elements, a fundamental part of the area, are what give these wines their special character.

And these elements, which are unique in the world, are provided by nature. But it is up to people to maintain and care for it. This is the main reason why Samuel Billaud always seeks very careful production methods, where the raw material is fully respected. The grapes are harvested by hand and collected in small containers to ensure that the bunches are always in good condition. These have already been previously selected, at the moment they are picked; but that will not stop another examination on the selection table, where only the berries in excellent condition will be taken into the winery. Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu goes directly into the pneumatic press, where the must is extracted with very gentle pressure, trying to obtain only the best possible juice for the fermentation that follows. This process, which is key to making this wine, takes place in wooden barrels (where it also ages). 

After a period in stainless steel tanks, which gives the final touch, Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu is bottled and ready to be tasted. Each bottle is unique and inimitable. A whole performance waiting to be enjoyed.