Region
Only 100 miles south of Paris, Chablis represents the northern limit of Burgundy`s wine regions, centred around the town of Auxerre. The soils are predominantly limestone and chalk, perfect for the Chardonnay grape, the only variety allowed in Chablis. Careful siting of south facing vineyards enables the vignerons to produce classic, dry, and steely wines. The most complex of these are produced from the seven Grand Cru vineyards which are all located on the northern slopes that overlook the town of Chablis itself. The Premier Cru vineyards are scattered around Chablis on the slopes of the valleys and here produce excellent quality wines with a little less intensity.
 
Producer
Domaine Gautheron is situated in the village of Fleys, to the east of the town of Chablis and overlooked by the steep slopes of les Fourneaux. This estate of only 25 hectares has been in the Gautheron family for seven generations. The Domaine has an excellent reputation of making traditional Chablis with expressive fresh steely flavours from Chardonnay. They use protective techniques avoiding wood to preserve the fresh steely flavours and allow the expression of the chalky vineyard soils to come through. Producing a range of wines including Petit Chablis, Chablis and Chablis 1er Crus that extend over more than 25 Ha. Domaine Gautheron are sustainable producers, showing respect for vines and the terroir.
 
Tasting Notes
Domaine Gautheron`s Cuvée Emeraude, is farmed organically and made from two tiny parcels of 0.4ha located beside their Vieilles Vignes Chablis plot situated above the slope of Mont de Milieu. The aroma is fragrant with lemon and mineral notes and a hint of hazelnut. This wine also achieves amazing complexity, it is ripe and flattering with a silky mouthfeel and very long satisfying finish.
 
Food
Serve with salads, pates, cold chicken, grilled sea fish in butter, crab salad, and goats cheese.