MORGENROT CHABLIS

In Chablis the Chardonnay grape reaches heights of finesse and cleanness rarely, if ever, achieved elsewhere in the world - or even Burgundy. Chablis is noted for its non-use of oak; or when it is used, it should remain hardly noticed in the background.

La Chablisienne is a co-operative founded in 1923 and now encompasses nearly 300 growers and nearly 25% of the area under production. The winery takes direct charge of the vinification; the technical staff working with the growers to define a La Chableisienne style and establishing guidelines for future harvests as well as for maturing, ageing and marketing the wines.

The winemaking links of Long Depaquit can be traced back to the Cistercian Abbey of Pontigny which had its own vineyards as early as 1128. Jean Depaquit was the Abbot of Pontigny but left holy orders during the French Revolution and in 1791 purchased the Abbey's vineyards (including the famous Moutonne) when they were sold by the state following their confiscation. The original 10 ha domaine and Chateau were bought by Bichot in 1968 and have been expanded to exceed 70 ha in size - which is one tenth of the total area of all Chablis Grand Crus.Under Bichot chemical fertilizers and weedkillers have been eliminated from the vineyards in favour of compost and ploughing; the approach being non-interventionist and organic. The traditional Chablis double Guyot pruning is being replaced with the single Guyot as practiced in the Cote d'Or.

La Chablisienne:

Petit Chablis There is nothing 'little' about this wine; malolactic fermentation and 6 months on the lees add depth, making it a match for many 'grander' AC Chablis.

La Pierrelee A classic style from 20 year old vines enhanced by malolactic fermentation and time on the lees that accentuates its finesse and mineral edge.

Les Venerabless
From 35 year old vines with a years ageing on the lees in tank and small barrels. A rounded and structured Chablis with extra depth.

Beauroy
Soft and fruity 1er Cru; again with 12 months ageing on the lees in tank and small barrels enhancing the fruit character alongside the mineral edge.

Mont de Milieu Classic mineral style with elegant fruit - stylish and intense after its 15 months ageing.

Bichot / Long-Depaquit:

Chablis Premier Cru 'Les Vaucopins'
Sourced from 6ha of vineyards situated on the right bank of the Serein production is in100% stainless steel vats with 9-11 months on the lees prior to bottling. A classic Chablis with good fruit content, full body and great depth

Chablis Grand Cru 'Les Vaudesirs
Manual harvest from 2.6ha of vineyards. Vinification is in 75% stainless steel, 25% oak casks varying from 1-10 years old and aged separately on the lees prior to blending and then bottles at 12 months. It is an elegant fruity wine with citrus elements and light floral aromas. Well balanced body.

Chablis Grand Clu 'les Clos' 2000
This renowned Grand Cru comes from just 1.6ha of vineyards. Depending on vintage, 30-60% is vinified in oak casks varying from 1-10 years old. The cuvees aged separately on the lees prior to blending and then bottled at 12 months. The wine has good depth of colour; a full palate with nice mineral edges enhanced by the use of oak. Lively when young but with a great ability to age and display more complexity and character.

Chablis Grand Cru 'La Moutonne'
Moutonne is a 2.35ha vineyard within the Vaudesirs Grand Cru appellation - but also incorporating Les Preuses - given the right to use its own name in 1952 in recognition of the quality of its wine. Its situation in a south facing amphitheatre is the main factor in Moutonnes uniqueness and outstanding quality. Some parts are so steep that cultivation is done by winch. The 2001 vintage was the first to use oak barrels - 25%. Aged on the lees prior to blending and then bottled at 12 months givea an intense nose with some herbal notes among the orange blossom and almonds. Subtle oak adds to the appeal of a rich and rounded palate.

Code / Product / Vintage:
2390 Petit Chablis 'Pas si Petit' - La Chablisienne 2009
2391 Chablis 'La Pierrelee' - La Chablisienne 2009
11001 Vieilles Vignes 'Les Venerables' - La Chablisienne 2008
2392 Beauroy Premier Cru - La Chablisienne 2009
11007 Mont de Milieu Premier Cru - La Chablisienne 2008
2402-1 Les Vaucopins Premier Cru - Long Depauit 2008
2406 Les Vaudesirs Grand Cru - Long Depauit 2007
2408 Les Clos Grand Cru - Long Depauit 2000
2403 La Moutonne Grand Cru 2004


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