Patrick Piuze Chablis Terroir de Chichee 2022

Chichée graces a picturesque plateau, nestled close to the 1er Cru Vaucoupin vineyard. This wine, masterfully vinified and aged in tanks, exudes a captivating blend of savory notes, a taut structure, and a pronounced mineral character.

Patrick Piuze, a Montreal native, burst onto the Chablis scene more than a decade ago, making an indelible mark. Piuze's approach to winemaking involves procuring grapes from esteemed vineyards, thanks to his strong relationships with Chablis growers who grant him access to coveted plots across the region. What sets him apart is his maverick technique. While approximately 90% of Chablis grapes are mechanically harvested, Piuze insists on the painstaking task of hand-harvesting every grape, a pivotal element in ensuring the exceptional quality of his wines. Furthermore, while most cellars utilize pneumatic presses, he opts for a vertical one, valuing the initial infusion of oxygen to safeguard against premature oxidation (pre-mox), a philosophy shared by the esteemed Jean-Marc Roulot.

Patrick's unwavering dedication extends to the creation of no fewer than EIGHT distinct village-level wines, each of which beautifully articulates its unique terroir. He proudly champions them as equals in quality to his 1er Crus, and this assertion holds merit; indeed, these wines are nothing short of extraordinary.