Domaine Chalmeau 2007 Tasting Notes

Chablis Côte de l'Étang 2006
Aligoté Envers des Côtes 2006

2006 was a difficult year. After a long winter, when freezing temperatures lasted well into March, the spring of 2006 brought hope – and rain – but May was cooler than normal, with below-average sunshine slowing the development of the vines. Just when winemakers’ brows were furrowing, the mercury shot up. June was the warmest since 1976 and July was the hottest since records began. With a surprise that only nature can deliver, August was distinctly chilly with record rainfall. The excess of moisture nurtured the rot, botrytis, and Franck and Sébastien were hard pressed to remove the affected grapes before September’s near-tropical sunshine finally restored temperatures to higher than normal and ensured a successful harvest after all. Phew!

The Chardonnay grapes for our exclusive Chablis Côte de l’Étang come from a small, southwest-facing slope on the winding road between Chablis and Courgis, just above the small pond (étang) from which it takes its name. After careful pressing the wine was matured in temperature-controlled, stainless steel cuves to retain its natural fruit flavours. The result is tinglingly fresh, citrus and green fruit flavours with a pleasingly mineral backbone. As an aperitif, here is a mouth-watering example of what Chablis should taste like. Alternatively, with a wide variety of fish dishes – smoked, baked, boiled or broiled – our Côte de l’Etang is the perfect accompaniment.

There are those who consider the Aligoté grape to be ‘lesser’ and only fit for adulterating with cassis to make kir. To do this with our Aligoté Envers des Côtes would be a pity for it would disguise its sylph crispness and delicate lemon flavours – and these are worth savouring. As an aperitif in front of a winter’s log fire or, chilled, as a thirst-quencher, on a hot summer’s day, here is a spirit-restorer par excellence. Enjoy!