2005 William Fevre Chablis Fourchaume Vignoble de Vaulorent

Domaine William Fevre is a 120-acre domaine in Chablis, Burgundy. The Fevre family has been in Chablis for more than two centuries and for much of the 20th century their Chablis wines have been highly sought after. The estate has Grand Cru parcels in Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Les Preuses, Valmur and Vaudesir, as well as premier cru parcels. In 1998 when William Fevre retired the domaine was sold to Henriot Champagne, already the proprietors of Bouchard Pere et Fils. Burgundy writer Clive Coates notes that when it was sold “it was first class operation then; it is even better now….This is a classy setup, producing very classy wines.” There is also a William Fevre negociant.

Fourchaume is a Premier Cru vineyard located just to the north of Chablis’ Grand Crus. The 84-acre hillside parcel is considered one of the best of the Chablis Premier Crus, and some people feel it should be elevated to Grand Cru. Within Fourchaume there are several important climats, or sub-parcels, including Vaupulent, Cote de Fontenay, L’Homme Mort and Vaulorent. The Fourchaume soil is primarily a composition of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster shells.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.