Samuel Billaud | Chablis
Samuel Billaud’s Chablis is a refined and precise expression of the unique terroir of Chablis, Burgundy’s northernmost wine region. Renowned for its crisp, mineral-driven white wines made from Chardonnay, Chablis stands apart for its steely freshness and purity of flavor. Samuel Billaud, a respected winemaker with decades of experience, has earned a reputation for crafting some of the finest and most expressive Chablis wines, using sustainable methods and minimal intervention.
Winemaker & Philosophy: Samuel Billaud is deeply committed to preserving the authenticity of Chablis through meticulous vineyard management and a minimalist approach in the cellar. His philosophy emphasizes terroir transparency, allowing the natural characteristics of the region’s famed Kimmeridgian limestone soils to shine through in his wines. By harvesting grapes at optimal ripeness and using neutral vessels for fermentation, Billaud ensures that the wines retain their vibrancy, minerality, and sense of place.
Grape Variety & Terroir: Made from 100% Chardonnay, Samuel Billaud’s Chablis benefits from the region’s unique terroir, characterized by limestone-rich soils that contribute to the wine’s minerality and crisp acidity. The cool climate of Chablis ensures a long growing season, allowing the grapes to develop complex flavors while retaining their freshness and tension. This terroir-driven approach results in wines with a signature flinty character and mouthwatering acidity.
Flavor Profile: Samuel Billaud’s Chablis is a textbook example of the region’s classic style, offering aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and white flowers, with subtle notes of wet stone and seashell. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and fresh, with flavors of citrus, pear, and a touch of melon, balanced by a chalky minerality and racy acidity. The finish is long and clean, with a saline edge that speaks to the wine’s origins in Chablis’ limestone soils.
Pairings: This Chablis pairs beautifully with a wide range of seafood dishes, including oysters, mussels, and grilled fish. It also complements light poultry dishes, fresh salads, and goat cheese, as well as sushi and sashimi. Its crisp acidity and mineral backbone make it a versatile partner for a variety of lighter fare, and it is particularly well-suited to dishes that emphasize freshness and purity of flavor.
Key Details:
- Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France
- Farming Practices: Sustainable
- Body: Light to medium-bodied
- Aging: Stainless steel and neutral vessels to preserve freshness
- Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
- Aging Potential: 3–5 years
Samuel Billaud’s Chablis is a pure, mineral-driven white wine that perfectly captures the essence of this iconic region, offering exceptional precision and balance, ideal for both immediate enjoyment and short-term aging.