Chablis 1er Cru Montmains, Domaine Bersan 2020

75cl bottle.

Father and son duo Jean-Louis and Jean-Christophe run this 22-hectare estate based in Saint-Bris-le-Vineux. This village, beyond the limit of the Chablis district, is notable for its sheer number of highly respected growers, many of whom have vines up the road in Chablis. In France, Saint Bris is much sought-after, but thankfully it remains under-the-radar in the UK, making these wines a real coup when it comes to quality and pedigree of terroir. Soils are either Portland or Kimmeridgian and the village is chock full of 11th and 12th century cellars. The cellar carrying the name Bersan above the door is particularly lovely, crammed with barrels in which the wines peacefully mature.

The Montmains vineyard, a renowned Premier Cru with a rich history that stretches over centuries. The region blends time-honored traditions with contemporary techniques to create wines of remarkable quality. The vineyard’s southeast-facing slopes ensure it receives abundant sunlight, allowing the grapes to ripen perfectly. Meanwhile, the cool climate and limestone-rich soils lend the wines their unique mineral character, making them truly distinctive.

A pale golden dress with hints of green reflections. The nose remains subtle, evolving into a more intricate profile with a faint mineral reduction. The palate is rich and rounded, with a touch of richness balanced by a delicate minerality. The finish is yet to unfold, but all the components are in place.