Côtes d'Auxerre blanc Grand Roche 2024 Domaine Clément Lavallée

The Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Blanc Grand Roche 2024 from Domaine Clément Lavallée is the cuvée most rooted in the family's history, bearing the name of the very lieu-dit where Erick Lavallée, father of Clément and Caroline, planted his first vines in 1987. A Chardonnay of 35 years and more, cultivated in biodynamics on the argilo-chalky soils of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, vinified by Clément with the same rigour and precision he brings to his most ambitious Chablis releases. For many lovers, this represents the perfect gateway into a vigneron's universe that continues to evolve.

Terroir and vines

The lieu-dit Grand Roche, which names both the family domaine and this cuvée, sits on the commune of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux in the Auxerrois. This corner of the Yonne, long overshadowed by Chablis to the north, yields Chardonnays of natural freshness, tension and minerality that regularly astonish even the most discerning tasters. The vines, planted on argilo-chalky soils of more than 35 years, are farmed biodynamically, without chemicals or insecticides, using light, heritage equipment to minimise soil compaction. Clément harvests at the last moment for optimal ripeness, working at night between 3am and 10am to preserve the grapes' natural freshness. Vinification is light-handed: fermentation with wild yeasts, ageing on fine lees in tanks and used casks, work by gravity, no filtration, sulphur added only at bottling in minimal doses. Only the free run is kept, the rest sold to a cooperative.

Tasting profile

The robe is pale gold with green glints, limpid and luminous. The nose is fresh and strikingly direct: aromas of fresh citrus, green lemon and grapefruit intermingle with notes of crisp green apple, delicate white flowers and precise chalky minerality that signals the Auxerrois origin. On the palate, dry, fresh and concentrated, with a citrus and bright green apple character. The wine is neat, fresh and salivating, with natural acidity well integrated, bringing drive and beautiful tension. The texture is light and precise, and chalky minerality crosses the palate with grace. The finish is clean, lemony and persistent, with that return of chalk and citrus that marks precisely vinified Chardonnays from the Auxerrois. Accessible now in all its freshness, and capable of lovely evolution over three to five years.

The domaine

Born in 1987 within Saint-Bris's viticultural tradition, Domaine Grand Roche took root when Erick Lavallée planted his first vines on the eponymous lieu-dit. Since 2021, his children Caroline and Clément have carried forward the family story with passion, farming 14.5 hectares across the Auxerrois and Chablisien. Clément, after studies in viticulture and oenology and eight years with Armand Heitz, Chapoutier and Château Margaux, returned to Saint-Bris with clear vision and strong convictions: straight, pure wines without pretence, born of respectful viticulture and light-handed winemaking. Neighbour to Thomas Pico at Domaine Pattes Loup and De Moor in Chablis, he has entered the upper ranks at a pace that impresses lovers of northern Burgundy.

Food pairings

This Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Blanc Grand Roche pairs beautifully with pâtés, terrines, shellfish, Burgundian snails, fish in light sauces, Comté gougères or a plate of oysters. It shines as an aperitif too, served between 10 and 12°C, with blini topped with smoked salmon or fine charcuterie. Its freshness and mineral precision make it a versatile, honest white for any meal, to be enjoyed without ceremony but with full attention.