Domaine Besson Chablis Vaillons Premier Cru 2023

In the current market, securing any White Burgundy for under $30 is a steal. But when it’s Chablis from a revered Premier Cru site, boasting an ironclad pedigree, and crafted by our long-time First Bottle favorite, Camille Besson? Prepare to be blown away!

2022 was a healthy and generous growing season for Chablis – even though growers faced challenges like mildew and drought early on. In the end, a late summer heat wave led to radiant and expressive grapes that flourished with lovely fruity notes, solid freshness, and vibrant acidity. The characteristic smoky, mineral, chalky freshness lingers in the background, while the signature acidity of Chablis carries everything to a remarkably pure finish, and perhaps most exceptionally – this particular wine seems to get more focused with time in the glass.

This small Burgundy house is led by Camille Besson, a fourth-generation winemaker in the family that has crafted outstanding Chablis that can stand up to the very best of the region. Vaillons is widely revered as one of Chablis’ preeminent Premier Cru sites – and you’d be hard pressed to find another producer, making a similarly priced Vaillons, to even compare this to! We even tasted it in a line-up with others at two and three times the price, and it beautifully, easily held its own.

The price, the prestige, just everything about this wine shouts value and quality – and far beyond any expectation given our killer price! It leans a bit more tropical than some Chablis, with lychee, papaya, and white peach leading the fruit, as crushed river stones and a subtle salty, grassy herbaceousness linger seductively on the finish. I always grab a handful of these – perfect wines to have at the ready when only Chablis will do... and don’t let anyone tell you fall isn’t a prime time for white wine. After all, is there a more perfect and flexible food wine than this? I can think of almost no better wine that can easily pair with football fare, silky light pastas, and appetizers on Thanksgiving than this. Make sure you get a few to at least last through the holiday season!

 
PAIRING IDEAS: Go full Football Sunday spread: chips and guac, jalapeno poppers, and lemon pepper wings. Seriously, with this bright and zippy Chablis? I’m drooling.