Henri Costal 2022 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons

100% Chardonnay

Burgundy, France 

Appellation: Chablis - Organic Farming

Soil: Kimmeridgian Limestone

After racking, wine goes through malolactic fermentation in 1/3 stainless tank, 1/3 neutral barrel (228 L), and 1/3 used demi-muid barrel (600 L)

Along list of growers bottle wines from the slopes of Vaillons, including illustrious vintners such as Raveneau and Dauvissat. But one of the best examples among them is Costal’s version, which is certified organic and hails from several south-exposed plots on the upper and lower slopes of the cru, adding dimension to Chablis’ natural tension. This wine is floral with the touch of brine that is so typical and desirable of Chablis, but it is the lovely mouthful of stone fruit and hint of lemongrass that make this premier cru so intriguing and fun to drink. —Jane Berg