Jean-Marc Brocard : Chablis Grand cru "Valmur" 2023

The pure, mineral expression of a Chablis by Jean-Marc Brocard

The estate

Founded in 1973 with a single hectare of vines in Préhy, the Jean-Marc Brocard estate has become a true benchmark in Burgundy. Now run by his son, Julien Brocard, the estate spans 240 hectares. A pioneer in the region, the estate stands out for its deep commitment to sustainable viticulture, with a large part of its vineyards certified organic and biodynamic. Guided by respect for nature and terroir, the Brocard family crafts wines renowned for their precision and freshness.

The vineyard

Located in the northern part of the region, the vineyard behind this Chablis lies on typical Kimmeridgian soils composed of limestone, clay and marine fossils. The vines, around thirty years old, benefit from rigorous organic farming practices. The estate favours mechanical tilling of the soil, without any herbicides, using lightweight tracked machinery and horse ploughing in particular to preserve the vitality and structure of the land.

The vintage

2023 began with a mild winter that brought early budbreak, followed by a few episodes of spring frost with thankfully limited consequences. After a wet May and June that favoured fungal pressure, summer proved particularly hot and dry. Weather conditions in late August and September were ideal, providing optimal sunshine that allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness while delivering generous yields.

Winemaking and aging

The mechanical harvest for this 2023 Chablis is followed by gravity-fed reception of the grapes to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks set between 18 and 20°C. After a fully completed malolactic fermentation, the wine undergoes seven to nine months of aging on the lees, exclusively in stainless steel tanks, to preserve all its freshness and aromatic purity.

Grape variety

Chardonnay (100%)

Characteristics and tasting notes for the 2023 Chablis by Jean-Marc Brocard

Tasting notes

Colour
A beautiful pale yellow hue, the wine is enhanced by delicate green and silvery highlights.

Nose
The bouquet opens with great finesse on notes of white flowers and acacia. It then reveals a lovely fruity complexity dominated by citrus aromas (lemon, white grapefruit) and green pear, accompanied by a touch of fresh almond. Subtle mineral nuances of gunflint, blended with light hints of fennel, round out the whole.

Palate
The attack is lively and precise, carried by a refreshing tension typical of its terroir. The mid-palate offers an elegant balance between fruity generosity and a saline minerality reminiscent of oyster shell. The finish stands out for its lovely persistence and freshness.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with raw oysters, grilled white fish or shellfish. It also goes very well with poultry in cream sauce, asparagus-based dishes or a well-matured cheese such as Saint-Marcellin. It is equally ideal served on its own as an aperitif.

Service and storage

This 2023 Chablis can be fully enjoyed right now to appreciate its fruity brightness, but it also has the structure needed to age favourably in the cellar until around 2031.