Product Description:
Minerality meets richness in this Chablis Premier Cru from a Burgundy powerhouse. Louis Jadot’s Les Fourchaume 1er Cru 2021 captures the tension and finesse of Chablis at its best. From one of the appellation’s most storied Premier Cru vineyards and crafted under the direction of winemaker Frédéric Barnier, this Chardonnay balances structure and nuance with Jadot’s signature precision.
Grown on classic Kimmeridgian limestone and vinified using a blend of stainless steel and large-format French oak, it delivers both clarity and complexity. The Fourchaume climat is known for wines that are generous yet taut—mirrored here in a profile of ripe citrus and stone fruits anchored by savoury earth and crushed oyster shell.
With 13 to 15 months on fine lees and a slow, gentle élevage, this wine is built to reward patience. Expect it to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years. Pair with shellfish, roast chicken, or triple cream cheeses for a smart match.
Maker
Founded in 1859 by Louis Henri Denis Jadot, Maison Louis Jadot has spent nearly two centuries championing the integrity of Burgundy’s great terroirs. The story began earlier still, in 1826, with the purchase of the Beaune Premier Cru Clos des Ursules — a single parcel that set the tone for a legacy built on respect for place. Based in Beaune, in a cellar with 16th-century origins, the house has grown from a family domaine into one of Burgundy’s most respected négociants, uniting hundreds of parcels across the Côte d’Or, Chablis, Côte Chalonnaise, and Beaujolais.
Viticulture remains hands-on, with an emphasis on biodiversity, balanced yields, and the preservation of vine genetics through their own nursery, established in 1995. This dedication extends to active membership in the Association to Safeguard the Diversity of Burgundian Grape Varieties, ensuring old-vine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay genetics endure for future generations. State-of-the-art wineries in Beaune, Givry, and Saint-Étienne-des-Ouillères allow for precision vinification across regional and village appellations, while long-standing grower relationships anchor quality from vineyard to bottle.
Philosophy
Maison Louis Jadot’s guiding principle is deceptively simple: to preserve and express the grandeur of Burgundy’s terroirs for all time. This philosophy begins in the vineyard, where seasonal work — from winter pruning to summer canopy training — is carried out with respect for soil health, plant balance, and the long-term vitality of each parcel. Mechanical intervention is kept minimal, with horse-drawn work still used in inaccessible sites, and competing plants encouraged between rows to maintain ecological equilibrium.
For Jadot, terroir expression is inseparable from human craft. Decisions on harvest dates are made parcel by parcel, guided by ripeness rather than the calendar, and the wines are made to reflect the nuance of each site rather than a fixed house style. This modest, forward-thinking approach acknowledges that Burgundy’s vineyards will outlast any generation — the role of the vigneron is to care for them in the present while safeguarding their character for the future.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Citrus and stone
Bright aromas of Meyer lemon, ocean spray and hay rise over a base of crushed rock and white mushroom.
PALATE
– Textural precision
Ripe citrus and pear are layered with salinity and a savoury mineral thread.
FINISH
– Long and clean
Floral, saline and slightly earthy with a lingering, dry precision.
Reviews & Accolades
This wine boasts a great aromatic presence, featuring fresh and concentrated Meyer lemon, salt, stone, hay and ocean spray. The palate is precise, showcasing intense minerality and salinity, along with a purity that leads to a clean, floral finish with hints of white mushroom. – Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points (2024)
Peach, melon and earth flavors permeate this vibrant white. Round, plump and balanced, with a juicy finish that extends the length and echoes the fruit. Drink now through 2028. 1,000 cases imported. – Wine Spectator, 90 Points (2024)
Finer Details:
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%
Closure - Cork