2020 Patrick Piuze Chablis 1er Cru "Les Fôrets", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The vineyard is located southwest of Chablis and northeast of Courgis on the left bank of the Serein River. It is one of three adjacent vineyards that comprise the premier cru of Montmains, along with Butteaux and Montmains. It enjoys a southern exposure, and its soil is composed of 100% Kimmeridgian limestone and a little bit of clay whose formation dates back to the 200-million-year old Jurassic period. It is widely considered one of Chablis’ most prestigious vineyards for its poor soil quality, which generally translates to the stony character of the wine.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

In only a short time, Patrick Piuze has gone from managing a wine bar in his native Québec to becoming one of Chablis’ most prominent rising stars. In 2008, after working for Olivier Leflaive, Verget and Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard, Patrick started his own micro-négoce. Sourcing 20 hectares of old-vine fruit from respected growers throughout Chablis, he crafts over 20 cuvees, including grand cru, premier cru, single-village wines, a Petit Chablis sourced from a maximum of two parcels adjacent to grand cru vineyards, an Aligoté from Saint Bris, and a méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine from the Tonnerrois. He is one of the rare producers to identify the nuances from village to village within the general AOC Chablis and even distinguishes between microclimates in his two cuvees of grand cru Bougros.

Patrick’s belief in long, natural fermentations allows him to create powerful yet graceful wines that, even in less ripe vintages, show a soft, penetrating texture. Lively, nervy, and pure, they also exhibit soft creamy textures, layered complexity, and the contagious vitality of its maker.