Chablis Fourchaume

Of the 40 Premier Crus in Chablis, Fourchaume is generally regarded as being one of the closest to meriting Grand Cru status. This large vineyard lies on the right bank of the Serein river, to the north of the village of Chablis, and is spread over four towns: Chablis-Poinchy, Fontenay-près-Chablis, Maligny and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne.

Though its terroir is quite heterogeneous, Fourchaume’s largely west and southwest aspect allows optimum sun exposure which promotes early ripening of the Chardonnay grapes grown here. This is expressed in concentrated, full-bodied wines with ripe citrusy flavour, which can be complekented by judicious use of oak during élévage. The soils in Fourchaume are also similar to those in the Grand Cru vineyards, being predominantly poor with brown clay and only slightly stony, with Chablis’ characteristic limestone-rich Kimmeridgian subsoil.