Les Grappillages is the Burgundy line through which Laurent Delaunay combines classic provenance and modern accessibility, with wines from renowned appellations like Chablis that remain consciously affordable and accessible. As the fifth generation of a prominent Burgundy family and current chairman of the regional wine committee, he puts his name exclusively on cuvées where terroir and precision are paramount. What makes this Laurent Delaunay Chablis Les Grappillages such a compelling Chablis choice? It's a pure, unoaked Chardonnay from the cool Yonne Valley, whose chalky soil and refreshing climate speak volumes in the glass, earning it a place at PerfecteWijn as a fresh, mineral-driven Burgundy.
The grapes for this Chablis come from northern Burgundy, around the cool, rolling hills of the Yonne Valley within the Chablis appellation. The vineyards are situated on ancient Kimmeridgian limestone soils rich in fossilized seabed, a soil type known for its pronounced minerality and crisp acidity. The relatively cool climate slows the Chardonnay's ripening, allowing aromas of citrus and white flowers to develop gently without losing its fresh character. Stylistically, the wine fits seamlessly with the philosophy behind Les Grappillages, in which Delaunay approaches the classic Burgundy appellations with the same precision as its top cuvées, but in a more accessible and immediately drinkable form.
The harvest takes place with a strong focus on selection, using only healthy and optimally ripe bunches. In the cellar, the grapes are carefully pressed and fermented, after which the wine is aged entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This choice of steel and controlled temperatures is intended to preserve the natural freshness, citrus fruit, and salty minerality of Chablis, without the influence of wood or heavy structures. After aging, a final blend is created that reflects the typical characteristics of the terroirs around Chablis as purely as possible, with an alcohol content of around 12% and a clear, unpolished profile that perfectly reflects what Les Grappillages stands for.
Chardonnay – Chablis
The Chablis appellation is entirely dedicated to Chardonnay, and in this cuvée, the grape is therefore the sole protagonist. In the cool climate of the Yonne Valley and on the Kimmeridgian limestone soils, Chardonnay is neither creamy nor heavy, but rather taut, mineral, and citrus-driven, with plenty of tension in the acidity and a distinct salty note typical of this region.
