Domaine François Raveneau Montée de Tonnerre Premier Cru Chablis White 2018

The most sublime and celebrated domain in Chablis, the wines of Domaine Raveneau are a rare find - exceptional because the vineyards are almost entirely composed of Grand Cru and Premier Cru grapes, produced in very limited quantities and renowned for their tremendous quality and consistency.

The domaine was created in 1948 when François Raveneau merged his holdings with those of his wife's family vineyard. Although his father had sold off the best plots over the years, François did his best to bring these vineyards back into the hands of the domaine. The reputation of this elusive and somewhat stoic vigneron spread quickly as his style was easily recognised as far superior to the growing Chardonnay trend. Today, François's sons, Bernard and Jean-Marie, run the estate, remaining true to their father's philosophy both in the vineyard and in the cellar.

Jean-Marie studied at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune and joined the estate in 1978. In 1995, when François retired, Bernard joined his brother after years of working for a négociant. Together they farm almost eight hectares of land, including three Grand Crus (Blanchot, Les Clos and Valmur) and six Premiers Crus (Montée de Tonnerre, Les Vaillons, Butteaux, Chapelot, Mont-Mains and Forêt).

Although François passed away in 2000, Bernard's daughter Isabelle now joins them, ensuring that Domaine Raveneau continues into the next generation.

Their distinctive terroir, with vineyards in Montée de Tonnerre, Butteaux, Les Clos, Valmur, Blanchots, Chapelot, Vaillons, Montmains, and Forêts, and the most natural viticulture possible, is essential to the quality of their wines.

Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats, followed by malolactic fermentation. Ageing in traditional Chablis barrels (called feuillettes) contributes to the recognised aromatic expressiveness and creamy texture of their wines.