St Aubin 1er cru Derrière chez Edouard 2023 Chateau de Chamilly

The Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Derrière chez Edouard 2022 from Château de Chamilly stands among this Chalon-based domaine's most ambitious and rewarding cuvées, proof that Burgundian excellence recognises no administrative boundaries. A Chardonnay from a Premier Cru climat of growing reputation, made and aged with the same rigour and honesty applied across Château de Chamilly's range. A classic white Burgundy with apple, citrus and subtle toasted notes, buttery texture and refreshing acidity that carries the terroir's signature minerality.

The terroir of Derrière chez Edouard

This climat sits above the village of Saint-Aubin on an east and south-east facing slope, with gradient varying from steeper central sections to gentler lower slopes. The soils are shallow, stony and clay-rich, over hard limestone bedrock, a poor and well-drained substrate that forces Chardonnay roots deep into the limestone to find nourishment, concentrating aromas and mineral intensity naturally. This stony, chalky terroir is precisely what gives this Premier Cru its mineral, lively and precise character among all Saint-Aubin whites. Château de Chamilly's grapes come from well sun-exposed vines on this characteristic stony ground. Vinification proceeds without sulphites during fermentation, ageing 12 months in Burgundian oak barrels including one fifth new wood, with natural malolactic fermentation. Only minimal sulphur additions protect the wines. Unfiltered and unfined in keeping with the domaine's philosophy.

On the palate

The robe is pale gold with green glints, clear and luminous. The nose shows immediate freshness and precision: aromas of green apple, pear, lemon and citrus open candidly and naturally, joined by delicate toasted notes and chalky, stony minerality that speaks directly to the terroir's limestone bedrock. On the palate, a buttery, unctuous texture of good weight is carried by refreshing acidity well integrated to bring tension and length. The minerality of the stony terroir runs through with precision and persistence. The finish is clean, saline and long, with that citrus and wet stone return that marks the signature of Saint-Aubin Chardonnays from this limestone terroir.

The domaine

Once the residence of the Marquis de Chamilly, founded in the 17th century, Château de Chamilly has belonged to the Desfontaine family for over a century. Véronique and her sons Xavier and Arnaud run this 12-generation vignerons' estate with passion and rigour, guided by a constant philosophy of letting each terroir express its singular character. They vinify and age each climat separately, as each has its own exposure and soil composition creating a unique subtlety of flavour and minerality. Our aim is to let these differences speak, working ever more carefully means becoming ever more discreet before the Climat.

Food pairing

This Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Derrière chez Edouard pairs beautifully with scallops in chive cream, grilled turbot with beurre blanc, sole meunière, grilled langoustines with tarragon, risotto with asparagus and parmesan or light cream sauces with poultry. It also finds harmony with aged goat cheese or Chaource. Serve between 11 and 13°C, with light decanting suggested to reveal all the stony minerality, chalky tension and natural freshness of a carefully, honestly made Saint-Aubin Premier Cru.