Francois Raveneau Chablis Butteaux 1er Cru 2020

Domaine Raveneau, a revered estate since its establishment in 1948, stands as a beacon of excellence in the Chablis region, with founder François Raveneau's masterful approach shaping the estate's esteemed reputation. Today, his legacy lives on through his sons, Jean-Marie and Bernard Raveneau, who meticulously tend to the estate's Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, including Blanchot, Les Clos, Valmur, Montée de Tonnerre, Les Vaillons, Butteaux, Chapelot, Mont-Mains, and Forêt. This generational commitment, where Jean-Marie oversees the vineyards, Bernard manages the cellar, and the next generation, Maxime and Isabelle, continue this division of labor, solidifies Domaine Raveneau as a benchmark for Chablis wines.

At the heart of Domaine Raveneau's winemaking philosophy lies a dedication to meticulous vineyard care and a traditional approach. The Raveneaus employ hand-harvesting, low yields, double Guyot pruning, and selective leaf removal to ensure optimum grape quality. The winemaking process involves indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel vats, followed by aging in used feuillettes for 12-15 months to gently open up the wine without imparting new oak flavors. After additional aging in stainless steel vats, the wines are bottled, often waiting an extra 6 months before release. This careful process produces wines that authentically express Chablis' unique terroir.

As a Premier Cru climat within the broader Chablis Montmains Premier Cru umbrella, Butteaux, with its limestone-rich soils and steep southeast slope, yields wines known for their power and structure. Domaine Francois Raveneau Butteaux Premier Cru Chablis 2020, crafted from 45-year-old vines on 1.50 hectares, is a testament to this exceptional terroir. Fresh and lively on the nose, with notes of citrus, pear, and warm bread mingling with hints of iodine, the wine's medium to full-bodied palate reveals layers of concentrated fruit and racy acids. The chalky grip imparts a unique texture, making it a true delight to drink and showcasing the extraordinary quality and depth added by the 45-year-old vines.