Daniel-Etienne Defaix, Chablis

The Defaix family have been winemakers in Chablis for over four centuries and their estate is located on one of the most ancient terroirs in all of Chablis, since Monks created the Chablis wine appellation over a thousand years ago! For these reasons, Daniel Defaix is a traditional-style producer, with 28ha of the best vineyards in Chablis, including vines in three 1er Crus: Les Lys, Cote de Lechet & Vaillons. He opts for a high planting density on traditional “kimmeridgien” (fossilised) soil. He is firmly in the unoaked camp of Chablis producers. Grapes are fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats and wines then remain on their lees for a minimum of 18 months in order to concentrate aromas, give more body and enzymatic qualities for long ageing. His wines offer depth, intensity and complexity, his policy of ageing wines on site means they can be drunk after release.