The history of the wine region of Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir in Burgundy, France, dates back many centuries. The Chablis wine-growing area has a long and storied viticultural heritage, with vines believed to have been cultivated here since Roman times. However, it was during the medieval era that viticulture truly flourished in the region, thanks to the Cistercian monks who recognized the potential of the unique terroir.
Located in the northernmost part of Burgundy, France, the Chablis wine region is renowned for its Chardonnay-based wines. Vaudésir is one of the seven official climats within the Chablis Grand Cru appellation. It is situated in an east-west valley on the Grand Cru hill, offering picturesque views overlooking the town of Chablis.
The soil profile of the Vaudésir region is distinct, characterized by lighter soils compared to the other Grand Cru climats. While still based on the famous Kimmeridgian subsoil found throughout Chablis, Vaudésir’s soils lean more toward clay than limestone. This unique composition contributes to wines with refined minerality and excellent fruit richness.
Climatically, Vaudésir benefits from its double orientation due to its amphitheater-like shape. Around half of the vines face due south, and the rest face southwest. This positioning offers protection from northerly winds while ensuring good exposure to sunlight. The valley’s topography can create a heat trap during summer, promoting phenolic ripeness in grapes. In contrast, the isolation may pose challenges during winter, including the threat of frost. Nevertheless, this mesoclimate allows for balanced wines that combine weight with the prized mineral freshness typical of Chablis.
In terms of grape varieties, Vaudésir exclusively grows Chardonnay, as is the case throughout Chablis. The region’s strict focus on this single varietal highlights the importance placed on expressing the true terroir-driven character of the wines.
The wines produced in Vaudésir are known for their softness and elegance, distinguishing them from other Chablis Grand Crus. Alongside Chablis’ iconic minerality, Vaudésir wines exhibit delightful floral characteristics. The combination of the unique soil profile, favorable mesoclimate, and exclusive focus on Chardonnay contributes to the region’s reputation for producing wines that strike a perfect balance between mineral freshness and fruit richness.
In addition to Vaudésir, the region is also home to the majority of the La Moutonne vineyard, a 2.35-hectare site considered by many as the unofficial eighth Chablis Grand Cru. Owned by Domaine Long-Depaquit, this vineyard produces wines with similar characteristics to those of Vaudésir, further adding to the region’s esteemed reputation.
