France • Burgundy • Chablis • Montée de Tonnerre • Domaine François Raveneau • Chablis Premier Cru AOC • Vintage 2018

Chablis Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2018 – Domaine François Raveneau

A legendary Premier Cru, bordering on Grand Cru status, combining chalky minerality, depth, and absolute precision

Terroir & Winemaking

The Montée de Tonnerre climat is widely regarded as one of the finest Premier Crus in Chablis, often described as an “unofficial Grand Cru.” Located on the right bank of the Serein River, directly adjacent to the Grand Crus Blanchot and Les Clos, it benefits from an ideal south to south-east exposure. The soils are composed of Kimmeridgian limestone marls rich in marine fossils, which give the wine its intense minerality, saline tension, and outstanding ageing potential.

Domaine François Raveneau farms its vineyards using traditional methods, with low yields and meticulous vineyard work. Fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts, followed by extended ageing on the lees in older oak barrels, without seeking overt oak influence. The 2018 vintage, generous and ripe by nature, is masterfully handled here: the richness of the fruit is perfectly balanced by freshness, precision, and the domaine’s hallmark mineral structure.

Tasting Notes

Nose:
Exceptionally pure and refined, revealing aromas of ripe lemon, citrus zest, green apple, and fresh pear, layered with notes of wet stone, oyster shell, and white almond. With aeration, subtle floral and lightly honeyed nuances emerge.

Palate:
Precise and focused on entry, with a broad yet perfectly balanced mid-palate. The texture is silky and chalk-laden, supported by fine acidity and remarkable mineral intensity.

Finish:
Very long, saline, and vibrant, lingering on iodine-tinged and citrus notes, indicating a noble and complex evolution over the coming decades.