Bonjour,

Here at Maison Vauron we’re Chablis freaks! For such a famous name it is amazing how misunderstood this region is, in fact few people realise that Chardonnay is the only permitted grape variety here. It is one of the most brilliant marriages of terroir and vine man has ever had the good fortune to discover, a total enigma in a world that is dominated by high alcohol, oaky, showstopping whites. At its best Chablis is so distinctive that its impossible to mistake it for anything else. Pure, laser like flavours framed with a racey acidity and oozing a steely, flintyminerality .

Visiting this region is always one of the highlights of our trips to and we’re excited and privileged to be able to bring you the finest selection of Chablis available in Australasia. It is not an idle boast that we consider these wines to be some of the greatest bargains not just in but the entire wine world, and hopefully you will join us in this passion.

Amicalement

Jean-Christophe & Scott Chablis is part of Burgundy, situated a short drive south from Paris in the Department of the , roughly half way to Beaune and just to the east of . It is quite cool here and killer frosts are common in the spring; in fact, from the standpoint of climate, the region has more in common with Champagne than Burgundy proper. For hundreds of years the Yonne provided the cafes and bars of Paris with their drinking wines, the result being more than 40,000 hectares in production by the mid 1800s. The combination of the disease phyloxerra wiping out the vineyards and the introduction of the railway bringing cheap wines from the south saw an end to this dominance. In fact so catastrophic was the demise of this region that by the 1950s there were less than 500 hectares planted. Happily this has rebounded to the present level of over 4,000 hectares, with the emphasis now more focussed on quality than quantity.

The Soil There are two main soil types in Chablis, Kimmeridgian and Portlandian. All of the best vineyards are situated on Kimmeridgian soil, an ancient seabed which was formed in the Triassic period from the deposits of billions of small shell fish, mostly tiny oysters and a binding layer of clay and silt. These fossilised shells are easily visible in any rock you happen to look at in the vineyard. It is this particular type of limestone which is porous and drains well that gives Chablis its unique flavours and character. By contrast, Portlandian soils display less clay and chalk and are generally thinner with different percentages of certain types of minerals. There are four basic categories or appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis premier cru and Chablis grand cru. In general, it can be said the Grand Crus, 1er Crus and the majority of Chablis are on Kimmeridgean soils whereas Petit Chablis is almost exclusively on Portlandian.

The Great Debates In recent times there have been two vehemently argued topics, one an age old dilemma over the use of oak and the other the introduction of machine harvesters. Wood v Stainless Steel Hand v Machine Harvesting This is a stylistic argument and also one of tradition. There are With the previous argument there is no definitive right or three camps: wrong, although it can be argued that the very best producers • Those who eschew the use of any oak, vinification and all hand harvest. aging in stainless steel tanks. They argue that • Hand harvesting undoubtedly is gentler and gives a theirs is the purest expression of what Chablis is. greater control over selection in the vineyard, • The most traditional where part or all of the process uses practically everyone now picks the Grand Crus by hand. old oak barrels that impart nothing in the way of wood • Machine harvesting is much quicker which gives better flavour, but greatly enhance texture. control over final maturity levels and is obviously more • Those who are considered more modernist and are cost effective. Most Petit Chablis and Chablis are machine introducing a greater percentage of new oak barrels. harvested. The Vineyards

It was in 1978 that the Chablis delimited areas were established by the AOC as follows: Grand Cru – 112 ha, Premier Cru – 742 ha, Chablis – 4,420 ha and Petit Chablis – 1,562 ha. Less than 60% of this area is in production.

The vineyards are organized around 20 villages in Chablis (though only 11 of them account for all the grands and premiers crus) but unlike the Côte d’Or, none of them are used as a point of origin on the label. They are most easily thought of as residing on one side or the other of the river that cuts the village of Chablis itself in two.

Petit Chablis Mostly restricted to the inferior Portlandian soils, Petit Chablis from the top producers will often be better than the village Chablis from lesser houses.

Chablis Spread over the whole 20 villages but almost exclusively restricted to Kimmeridgian soils. There are some superior sites which carry their individual “lieu dit” on the label ie. Les Pargues.

Chablis Premiers Crus There are exactly 40 premiers crus but many of them are rarely seen because most of them have the right to a main or primary climat. This mechanism permits certain vineyards to be aggregated together under the name of the 17 primary climates ie Forets is part of Montmain. The right bank premiers crus usually produce bigger and more powerful wines whereas the left bank produces wines with more of an emphasis on elegance and finesse.

Chablis Grands Crus All of the seven grand crus are on the right bank (east side) as are several of the most highly esteemed premiers crus, including Montée de Tonnerre, Fourchaume and Mont de Milieu. All of the grands crus face primarily south on quite steep slopes, in combination with the soil this leads to very good drainage.

Blanchot 12.2 ha Bougros 14.3 ha Les Clos 24.8 ha Grenouilles 9.1 ha Preuses 11.1 ha Valmur 11.9 ha Vaudésir 14.4 ha Denis Race Dauvissat Dampt

We had not tasted the wines of Denis Race before, but a In the hands of a true master, working with old vines and Another new Domaine for us but one with an impressive contact suggested it and it proved to be an elite vineyards, Chablis can scale heights unknown to other track record. Today they integrate a 150-year family tradition absolute gem. A little further research revealed that it was Chardonnay makers; such is the case at Dauvissat. of winegrowing with the convenience and speed of modern rated a one star in Clive Coates Burgundy book. A fourth Vincent Dauvissat, along with Raveneau, is unquestionably technology, Daniel Dampt’s winegrowing philosophy is one generation producer with 18 ha of vineyards, Denis daughter one of the top two domaines of Chablis owning some of the that embraces age-old knowledge of the vine and Claire has been working on the estate with her oldest and best vineyards, including prized sections of the state-of-the-art vinification techniques. parents since 2005. They are located in the southern grand crus, Les Clos and Les Preuses. They have been selling The beautiful Dampt estate sits in the very heart of the outskirts of the Chablis village, on the Rue de Chicée. wine under their own label since 1931, but it was under Chablis region, in Milly, with a magnificent view of les All wines go through malolactic fermentation, but no oak Vincent’s father Rene that the reputation for quality Grands Crus. They have 30 hectares of vines in production, is used at all. From producing only 2,000 bottles in 1979 emerged. Vincent prefers natural farming, using vine including 16 hectares of Chablis and 14 hectares of Chablis to today’s 90,000 we see a bright future for what has to be treatments sparingly, if at all. The fruit is harvested by hand Ier Cru – in Vaillons, Fourchaume, Cote de Lechet, Les Lys some of the best priced Chablis around. and not destemmed; fermentation is part in enameled steel and Beauroy. vats and part in wood and all aging is in 6-to-8-year-old barrels. Vincent humbly says “Terroir is everything”, and his Chablis 2012 ...... $30.00 wines offer a very compelling argument, however we think it Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2012 ...... $42.00 is Vincent’s own touch that brings the magic to the fore. Chablis 2013 ...... $30.00 Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2012 ...... $42.00 Mineral and intense with a fresh lean finish that just cries out Our allocation includes: for oysters. Chablis Chablis 1er Cru La Forest Chablis 1er Cru Cote Lechet 2012 ...... $40.00 There is plenty of the hallmark citrus character on the nose Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos along with hints of mineral reduction, floral hints and classic These wines above are on allocation only. Chablis nuances. There is a really lovely intensity to the cool and The current vintage is sold out, let us know if you want to go on restrained medium-bodied flavours that deliver a bracing salinity the waiting list for future vintages. on the mildly austere, persistent and bone dry finish. 90-92 Burghound

One each of : 1 x Petit Chablis (Louis Michel) 1 x Chablis (Billaud Simon) 1 x Chablis (Seguinot) 1 x Chablis 1er Cru “Mont de Milieu” (Denis Race) 1 x Chablis 1er Cru “Vau de Vey” (Malandes) 1 x Chablis Grd Cru “Valmur” (Moreau Naudet) Dampt Moreau-Naudet Raveneau Another new Domaine for us but one with an impressive This estate was personally recommended to us by Vincent Usually, when it comes to naming the greatest exponent track record. Today they integrate a 150-year family tradition Dauvissat back in 1999 when young Stéphane Moreau had of any wine region, there will be some variance of opinion. of winegrowing with the convenience and speed of modern only recently taken over the family Domaine. He has When that question relates to Chablis, there is one answer: technology, Daniel Dampt’s winegrowing philosophy is one overseen a fundamental change in viticultural and “Raveneau”. The domaine comprises only 7.5 hectares, that embraces age-old knowledge of the vine and winemaking practices: a Superhuman effort in the vineyards 3 Grand Cru and 4 1er Cru. The entire harvest is picked state-of-the-art vinification techniques. with a huge reduction in yields, moving from mechanical manually with a tendency to pick earlier in order to retain The beautiful Dampt estate sits in the very heart of the harvesting to complete hand picking in 2002 (except for the the natural acidity and freshness. The harvest is then Chablis region, in Milly, with a magnificent view of les Petit Chablis), Moreau is neither all stainless nor all wood fermented in stainless-steel tanks and then matured in large Grands Crus. They have 30 hectares of vines in production, and divides both the vinification and élevage amounts to oak feuilletes which have an average age of 7-8 years. including 16 hectares of Chablis and 14 hectares of Chablis two-thirds stainless and one-third in wood, most of it older, Ier Cru – in Vaillons, Fourchaume, Cote de Lechet, Les Lys the wines are fined and filtered but not cold stabilized. and Beauroy.

Chablis 2013 ...... $30.00 Petit Chablis 2013 ...... $32.00 Our allocation includes: Mineral and intense with a fresh lean finish that just cries out A revelation for a wine at this level, Stephane is still working on Chablis for oysters. bringing yields down in this vineyard and sells off in bulk anything he’s not happy with. Chablis 1er Cru Foret Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru Cote Lechet 2012 ...... $40.00 Chablis Grd Cru Valmur There is plenty of the hallmark citrus character on the nose Chablis 2012 ...... $36.00 These wines above are on allocation only. along with hints of mineral reduction, floral hints and classic Elegant and certainly finer with round, rich and precise flavours The current vintage is sold out, let us know if you want to go on Chablis nuances. There is a really lovely intensity to the cool and that possess more size and concentration, all wrapped in a nicely the waiting list for future vintages. restrained medium-bodied flavours that deliver a bracing salinity balanced and persistent finish. Again, solid quality here. on the mildly austere, persistent and bone dry finish. 90-92 Burghound Chablis 1er Cru Forets 2011 ...... $50.00 “Ripe and well-layered nose of white and yellow orchard fruit exhibits subtle notes of ocean breeze and mineral reduction. “ 89-91/100 Burghound Order

Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2011 ...... $88.00 There is a textured and almost soft mouth feel to the middle Now ! weight flavours that tighten up on the intense, minerally, powerful and solidly persistent finish.” 90-92/100 Burghound Seguinot Malandes

Domaine Seguinot is located 8 km north of Lyne Marchive directs this 25 ha Domaine Chablis, on the North-South main road of the along with régisseur and enologist Guénolé Serein valley. Privileged with South-West sun Breteaudeau who joined her in 2006. This is exposure, this Domaine is leaning against the a new Domaine for us but we’re very excited right bank of the Serein river, provides rich about the potential as they have some and well balanced wines. wonderful, beautifully situated old vine plots. The Domaine has been constantly evolving “I have said this before but it’s worth repeat- since the last 40 years and now covers 20 ha. ing that Marchive and Breteaudeau continue The nicest achievement for Daniel Seguinot to drive the quality of the Malandes wines was when his oldest daughters Emilie took to new heights. Readers who are not over from him in 2003, followed by the familiar with the wines owe it to youngest Laurence in 2008 in order to themselves to try a few bottles; moreover perpetuate the family tradition. the prices are reasonable and thus the wines offer excellent price/quality ratios.” Allen Meadows – Burghound

Chablis 2012 ...... $30.00 Chablis 2012 ...... $35.00 Classic oyster shell aromas with a hint of lanolin, it also has great There is good volume and fine verve to the detailed, texture. delicious and caressing middle weight flavours that possess good persistence on the clean, dry and saline-inflected finish. Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2012 ...... $42.00 87-90/100 Burghound Intense and rich, great detail in the mineral infused finish. Considered one of the best 1er Crus Fourchaume is fuller and Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey 2012 ...... $45.00 fleshier than most, and it is often compared with the Grand Cru (from a 3.5 ha parcel aged in 100% stainless). The reticent nose les Clos. of green fruit, Granny Smith apples, spice and oyster shells gives way to driving, delineated and intensely mineral-infused medium-bodied flavours. 89-91/100 Burghound

Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2012 ...... $50.00 This is a wine of fine depth, harmony and balance and it is well worth considering. 91/100 Burghound

Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2011 ...... $110.00 The rich, intense and equally mineral-driven big-bodied flavours are brilliantly well-delineated before exploding into a chiseled, dry, saline-infused and beautifully long though markedly austere finish. 92/100 Burghound

One each of : 1 x Petit Chablis (Louis Michel) 1 x Chablis (Billaud Simon) 1 x Chablis (Seguinot) 1 x Chablis 1er Cru “Mont de Milieu” (Denis Race) 1 x Chablis 1er Cru “Vau de Vey” (Malandes) 1 x Chablis Grd Cru “Valmur” (Moreau Naudet) Louis Michel Billaud-Simon A great find for us, and now one of our We’ve now been dealing with this estate for 10 biggest selling Chablis. These wines are a years and every year just reinforces the high complete anathema to the oaky new world opinion we have. “Revue de Vins” the French styles of Chardonnay. They are classic tank wine bible, rate them just behind Rave- fermented, crisp, mineral infused Chablis neau and Dauvissat, and Allen Meadows which have the capacity to age for a very (Burghound) loves their ultra pure style. long time. You should not be afraid to leave For us it is this precise, pure, minerally, the 1er Crus for 10 years and the Grand elegance uncluttered by oak that make Crus for 20+. these Chablis special, and Billaud- The family was one of the first to stop Simon is one of the very best sources making wine in wooden barrels, for this style. Talking about the 2011 preferring to create clean, pure and vintage, Bernard Billaud said precise Chablis, respecting the “a complete classic. If the wine school typicity of each terroir, without any textbooks had a description of what woody tastes. classic Chablis is supposed to smell and taste like, then 2011 produced it.”

Petit Chablis 2013 ...... $33.00 Chablis 2012 ...... $37.00 A perfumed and airy nose of green and white fruit aromas plus “A nose of green fruit and oyster shell combines with rich, full and rounder, fuller and nicely precise medium weight. notably mineral-driven flavours that possess just enough backend fat to buffer the racy and firm acidity.” 86-89/100 Burghound Chablis 2013 ...... $37.00 Mouth watering and persistent, the precision here is very hard Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2011 ...... $49.00 to beat. (100% from Séchet). A complex nose features an array of aromas that include white flowers, wet stone, sea breeze plus spice and Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2012 ...... $48.00 citrus hints. 90/100 Burghound A classic Montmains nose combines floral and spice elements with pear and white peach aromas. Clean and dry finale. Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2011 .. $63.00 88-90/100 Burghound The rich, intense and ultra-pure flavours glide across the palate to deliver the same terrific depth on the strikingly long and relatively Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2012 ...... $110.00 linear finish as the nose originally promised. 92/100 Burghound Superb intensity and striking minerality to the big-bodied flavours that possess excellent mid-palate concentration, all wrapped in a Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2011 ...... $110.00 remarkably backward and explosive finish. 91-94/100 Burghound There is impressive richness and power to the large-scaled flavours that coat the mouth with dry extract that imparts Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles 2012 ...... $115.00 an almost chewy texture. 93/100 Burghound An exceptionally fresh nose is classic Chablis in character with notes of oyster shell, ocean breeze, green fruit and floral scents. Chablis Grand Cru Preuses 2011 ...... $120.00 90-93/100 Burghound The exceptional purity of the nose is confirmed by the saline-in- fused, detailed and wonderfully intense flavours that are generous and precise. 94/100 Burghound Where we stay ? Relais St Vincent www.relais-saint-vincent.fr 14 Grande Rue, Ligny le Chatel. Set in a 17th century building and located in the village of Ligny le Chatel, 3kms from with its abbey and 12 kms from Chablis. We love the family atmosphere and the traditional cuisine.

L’Hostellerie des Clos www.hostellerie-des-clos.fr 18 Rue Jules Rathier, Chablis If you are looking for something a little more up-market and in the heart of the village of Chablis, this is the one! Wonderful restaurant too with a little bit more fancy touch! Where we eat ? Le Bistro des Grands Crus Great for lunch ! 8 rue Jules-Rathier, Chablis Au Vrai Chablis Simple but tasty. Lovely people too ! 8 Rue du General de Gaulle, Chablis Relais St Vincent Traditional atmosphere. Excellent value! 14 Grande Rue, Ligny le Chatel. Places to visit The medieval village of Noyers sur Serein This is the most picturesque village in Northern Burgundy. Half-timbered houses, pigeonniers, pretty squares and arches from the 13th to 19th centuries. Chateau d’Ancy le Franc Rich and mellow like a good , the interior of this magnificent Chateau (dating from 1542) envelopes you in history. Vineyard Walk A walk above the Grand Cru of “Les Clos” to check out and understand the topography of the Chablis vineyard.

“Chaource” Cheese Takes its name from the small commune of the same name which is located between the Champagne and Chablis region. The soils there are heavy clays and the climate extremely humid – this might be connected to the fact that Chaource cheese Chaource “Rouzaire” does not need long to mature – Minimum of two weeks and usually 250g at least one month. Chaource cheese was already famous back in the 14th Century, when King of France Philipe IV fell in love with it as soon as he tasted it and Marguerite de Bourgogne demanded it at her table! During the 19th century, Chaource was produced on the farms and it acquired notoriety through “negociants” (traders) who went from farm to farm to collect and sell it at local markets of the different regions but also big cities such as Paris and Lyon. Chaource is a “double cream” cheese weighting approximately 250g and with a rind immaculately white coloured. Its appetising bouquet evokes mushrooms and become creamy to the point of runniness as it ages and thus, becomes even tastier. The palate is slightly salty, with a chalky-like texture finish.

For Food enquiries please contact C’EST FROMAGE 5 Mc Coll Street, Newmarket Auckland Phone: 09 529 0157 email: [email protected] www.mvauron.co.nz Denis Race : Price Units Chablis 2012 $30.00 CHABLIS Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2012 $42.00 Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2012* $42.00 Order Dampt : Form Chablis 2013 $30.00 Chablis 1er Cru Cote Lechet 2012 $40.00

Moreau-Naudet : 10% Petit Chablis 2013 $32.00 Chablis 2012 $36.00 Discount Chablis 1er Cru Forets 2011 $50.00 On All Orders Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2011* $88.00 of 6 Bottles or more! Seguinot : Chablis 2012* $30.00 Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2012 $42.00 *Offer is valid until 29/09/14 or until stock lasts Malandes : Chablis 2012 $35.00 Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey 2012* $45.00 Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2012 $50.00 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2011 $110.00

Louis Michel : CHABLIS Petit Chablis 2013* $33.00 6 PACK SPECIAL Chablis 2013 $37.00 1 x Petit Chablis (Louis Michel) Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2012 $48.00 1 x Chablis (Billaud Simon) 1 x Chablis (Seguinot) Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2012 $110.00 1 x Chablis 1er Cru “Mont de Milieu” (Denis Race) Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles 2012 $115.00 1 x Chablis 1er Cru “Vau de Vey” (Malandes) 1 x Chablis Grd Cru “Valmur” (Moreau Naudet) Billaud-Simon : Chablis 2012* $37.00 $240 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2011 $49.00 Please place your “CHABLIS 6 PACK SPECIAL” Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2011 $63.00 Order here Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2011 $110.00 Chablis Grand Cru Preuses 2011 $120.00

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Maison Vauron French Wine Merchants, 5 McColl Street, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ. PO Box 8471 Symonds Street, Auckland, NZ. Ph: 09 529 0157. Fax: 09 524 9187