2020 Laurent Tribut Chablis, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The domaine consists of 12.5 acres of vineyards. In addition to eight acres of AOC Chablis, which is a superb parcel of kimmeridgian soil adjacent to Dauvissat´s own vineyards, Tribut owns the following premier cru vineyards: Chablis Beauroy (2.5 acres), Chablis Montmains (0.5 acres in the Fôrets lieu-dit), and Chablis Côte de Léchet (1.25 acres). He uses the minimum application of fertilizers and phytosanitary treatments possible. Yields are kept to 3.7 tons per acre, and harvest is completely done by hand.

For years, Laurent Tribut´s wines were actually made in the Dauvissat cellars, in the same manner and spirit as the now legendary Dauvissat wines. Recently, however, Laurent moved his cellar to the town of Poinchy, just outside the town of Chablis. He carried with him the traditional Dauvissat methods of hand-harvesting and fermentation. The fermentation is in temperature-controlled enamel tanks and a percentage of the wine is matured in old oak barrels. Fining occurs 5-6 weeks before bottling, and a light filtration is done at the time of bottling.

Tribut´s wines are immediately appealing, crisp and lively with lovely fruit, lemony aromas, spicy apple flavors, good balance, and a silky finish. His AOC Chablis is a point of reference for the appellation, while his premier cru wines are Chardonnay with all its complexity and toasty, citrusy flavors in harmony. The wines are characterized by the their balance and minerality, with the premiers crus requiring 4-5 years of bottle aging to show at their best The wine is 100% estate bottled and sold throughout Europe, Japan, and the United States.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

When Laurent Tribut married Marie-Clotilde Dauvissat, the daughter of René Dauvissat, he joined the family´s winemaking tradition. Long ago, the Dauvissats purchased excellent AOC Chablis vineyards adjoining their own premier crus to give their children the opportunity to become viticulturists. Laurent and Marie-Clotilde have used those vineyards to do just that. Together with their children, Laurent and MarieClotilde live only a few miles from Vincent Dauvissat, in a large, restored farmhouse with vineyards behind the property. Today, their daughter Solange has joined the family business as a talented winemaker in her own right.