From: Lignorelles, Chablis, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: Expect pronounced flinty and chalky notes, complemented by subtle hints of citrus zest, green apple, and a whisper of white blossoms. These aromatics are balanced, avoiding overt fruitiness and highlighting the signature minerality for which Chablis is revered. The wine is crisp and vibrant on the palate, exhibiting racy acidity that lends it a refreshing edge. Juicy notes of lemon, lime, and underripe pear emerge alongside Chablis wines' clean, briny salinity. The mid-palate reveals a subtle complexity with touches of wet stone and a gentle nuttiness that hints at a light influence from its partial oak aging. This structure contributes to a balanced blend of texture and flavor, providing an engaging, lively, and refined mouthfeel. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering mineral tones and a touch of citrus that leaves a clean impression. - Champion Wine Cellars, 11/4/2024
Pairing: Traditional French dishes like Sole Meunière, where the delicate, buttery fish enhances the wine’s mineral finish, Coquilles Saint-Jacques, as the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the scallops and cream, and Gougères filled with prosciutto and Gruyère, adding savory depth that contrasts beautifully with the wine’s minerality and light nutty profile. The Chablis' lively mouthfeel and long, mineral-driven finish make it a natural match for oysters on the half shell, emphasizing their briny character. Grilled halibut with a white wine and dill cream sauce beautifully complements the wine’s citrus and green apple notes for a heartier pairing. Goat cheese tart accentuates the wine’s zesty acidity, while sushi or sashimi, mainly white fish or lightly marinated seafood, highlights the wine’s freshness and subtle complexity.
Potato, Salmon and Spinach Patties With Garlicky Dill Cream
By Melissa Clark
About: Domaine Roland Lavantureux, nestled in the village of Lignorelles just northwest of Chablis, France, is a celebrated family-owned estate with deep historical roots in winemaking. The Lavantureux family's involvement in viticulture dates back at least eight generations. Initially, winemaking was part of a diverse agricultural practice, and the wines were traditionally sold in barrels to merchants in Auxerre and Paris. This changed in 1978 when Roland Lavantureux, after completing formal wine education in Beaune and acquiring practical experience in Champagne, founded the domaine to create high-quality, bottled wines that would capture the essence of the Chablis terroir. In 1979, Roland took the significant step of bottling the estate's wines, which marked the beginning of its modern legacy and laid the groundwork for future growth.
Over the following decades, the estate expanded its operations, and in 2010, Roland’s sons, Arnaud and David Lavantureux, joined the family business. Their entry brought fresh energy and innovation to the domaine. Arnaud, with his keen focus on vineyard management and winemaking, has pushed the quality of the wines further by blending traditional practices with modern techniques. David oversees sales and marketing and has worked to strengthen the winery’s reputation and expand its global reach. The family's collaborative dynamic ensures that authenticity, dedication, and excellence remain central to the estate's philosophy.
