Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume Domaine Fevre William, 2022

Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2022 from Domaine William Fèvre is a standout white Burgundy that captures the pure, racy character of northern Chardonnay. Sourced from one of Chablis’ most esteemed Premier Cru vineyards, this wine balances bright minerality with generous fruit, making it both accessible young and capable of graceful aging. Fourchaume has long been prized for its combination of elegance and depth, and in the hands of William Fèvre it becomes a benchmark expression of the terroir.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Chablis 1er Cru shows a pale, luminous straw-yellow color with green reflections, hinting at its freshness and youth. The nose is refined and expressive, offering layers of citrus (lemon zest, grapefruit), green apple, and white peach, intertwined with notes of white flowers, chalky stone, and a delicate saline edge. Subtle hints of flint and light oak nuance (when present) add complexity without overwhelming the fruit. On the palate, the wine is precise and vibrant, with a cool, linear structure that is very typical of Chablis. Lively acidity drives flavors of crushed oyster shell, ripe citrus, tart orchard fruits, and a touch of almond and fresh bread dough. The texture is both taut and silky, leading into a long, focused finish marked by minerality and mouthwatering salinity. While already enjoyable for its purity and energy, this 2022 has the concentration and structure to develop further complexity over the next 5–10 years, gaining more honeyed and nutty notes with cellaring.

Production
Domaine William Fèvre’s holdings in Fourchaume lie on the historically prized right bank of the Serein River, on Kimmeridgian limestone soils rich in marine fossils that give Chablis its signature minerality. The south and southwest-facing slopes provide excellent sun exposure, promoting ripeness while preserving acidity thanks to the cool northern Burgundian climate. Grapes are typically hand-harvested to ensure optimal selection and gentle handling. In the cellar, the must is fermented at controlled temperatures to retain aromatic freshness, with maturation in a mix of stainless steel and a small proportion of neutral oak to build texture without masking the wine’s minerality. Aging on fine lees further enhances mouthfeel and complexity while preserving the crystalline character of the terroir.

Food & Serving
This Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume is an exceptional match for seafood—think oysters, scallops, prawns, and simply grilled fish—as well as sushi, sashimi, and ceviche, where its saline edge and crisp acidity shine. It also pairs beautifully with goat cheese, young Comté, poultry in light cream sauces, and vegetable dishes featuring fennel, leeks, or asparagus. Serve well-chilled but not icy, ideally around 10–12°C (50–54°F), to allow the aromatics to open. A short decant of 20–30 minutes in a white wine carafe can help the young 2022 vintage reveal more depth and aromatic complexity.

Producer
Founded in 1959, Domaine William Fèvre has become one of Chablis’ most respected and influential producers, known for its extensive holdings in Premier and Grand Cru vineyards and its steadfast focus on terroir expression. Over the decades, the domaine has played a key role in elevating Chablis’ international reputation, emphasizing purity of fruit, precision, and minerality in its wines. Today, William Fèvre is recognized for a sustainable approach in the vineyards and a sensitive, low-intervention style in the cellar, producing some of the region’s most consistently acclaimed Chablis across all levels—from village wines to its top Premier and Grand Crus.