Variety: Pinot Noir

The Defaix family is a fourth generation of a family of vine-growers rich in personality. Bernard Defaix started the vineyard in 1959 with 2 ha. Vineyard holdings across the Chablis region of Burgundy have expanded to 27 ha including three Premier Cru vineyards (Côte de Léchet, Vaillons and Lys) and others in the Chablis and Petit Chablis appellations. Bernard’s sons Sylvain and Didier have been managing the domain for about twenty years, handling winemaking and vineyard operations, respectively. Didier’s wife, Helene, handles administration and sales. Although this is a small property – common in France – the Defaix family undertook an extensive study of their vineyard soils to better understand vine root systems and the impact of mechanized vineyard operations. From 2012, they have been producing organic wines.

This is an approachable Pinot Noir classified as an AOC Bourgogne Rouge bottling. The vines come exclusively from a vineyard in Auxerre, which is just outside of Chablis. It is simply aged in 2-3 year old barrels to optimize the freshness of the fruit. This is a wine to drink now and with all manner of food.