Did you know that the A.O.C. Chablis is the most expansive in the region? Few appellations in Burgundy—situated in the northeast of France—can boast an expanse across 3,716 hectares. Numerous producers. Abundant white wine. Yet none compare to Domaine de l'Enclos Chablis À l'Ouest.
Situated in the westernmost vineyard of the estate, atop the plateau of the village of Beine (perched on a hill), emerges this white wine crafted by Domaine de l'Enclos. And the name could not be more fitting! Hidden behind it is not only the birthplace of this wine but also the story of Damien and Romain, two brothers who, since 2016, have continued the family tradition of creating their own wines. As a result, the traditional sale of grapes to larger producers has given way to their own production, yielding exceptional wines like Domaine de l'Enclos Chablis À l'Ouest. Thanks to bottles such as these, and their wholly ecological approach, many regard them as the great revelation of Chablis. Indeed, the Bouchard brothers have made a strong impression with their conversion to organic farming and their minimal intervention winemaking.
What makes Domaine de l'Enclos Chablis À l'Ouest so special begins in the field, where the Bouchard brothers cultivate all their vineyards without chemical products. In this regard, both their team and they are dedicated to observing the plants and assessing what is needed at each moment. This detail is crucial, especially considering the semi-continental climate of the area, with hot summers and long, harsh winters, where occasionally they must contend with frost. In this context, it is not unusual to find that in the A.O.C. Chablis, located north of Burgundy, the chardonnay grapes take a bit longer to ripen (although they eventually do).
After the harvest, where the workforce triples, the grapes are transported to the semi-underground cellar where the Bouchard brothers work their magic. Initially, it is essential that the grapes of Domaine de l'Enclos Chablis À l'Ouest pass through the vibrating table, where only the highest quality berries will be selected. These will go directly to the press to obtain the must of Domaine de l'Enclos Chablis À l'Ouest which will subsequently ferment in stainless steel tanks. At all times, Domaine de l'Enclos Chablis À l'Ouest will be moved and racked by gravity, without the use of any machinery or pumping, ensuring quality until the end of the process. Domaine de l'Enclos Chablis À l'Ouest will ferment spontaneously using indigenous yeasts and will conclude its process with nearly a year of aging on its lees.
There are many white wines from the A.O.C. Chablis. Few like Domaine de l'Enclos Chablis À l'Ouest.