2023 Samuel Billaud - Petit Chablis (750ml)

Samuel Billaud began his career at the family estate, Domaine Billaud-Simon, in 1985, but a lengthy dispute with his uncle led him to strike out on his own in 2009. He kept a handful of prized parcels, including a Petit Chablis plot directly north of Les Clos, and later moved into a new gravity-fed winery in the heart of the village. He has since become one of the region's most respected names.

This Petit Chablis comes from vines planted in 1976 on a windy, elevated site with a notable share of Kimmeridgian limestone, unusual for the appellation and shared with the Grand Cru slopes just above it. Farming is organic, picking comes early, and the wine sees minimal oak, resting instead on its lees for an extended period, which builds richness and breadth without sacrificing freshness.

The wine is crisp and pure, with citrus fruit, lime oil and a hint of ripe pineapple, backed by real minerality and a spray of sea salt on the finish. It is generous yet precise, with a creamy, silky length that is unusual for the designation. Serve it with fried calamari, grilled sardines, or a light green salad.