Domaine William Fèvre: Understanding the Labels
Domaine William Fèvre’s portfolio spans the full Chablis hierarchy plus a rare Sauvignon Blanc from nearby Saint-Bris. Each “brand” reflects differences in vineyard location, soil, vine age and winemaking:
Petit Chablis
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Appellation & Terroir: Grapes from cooler, Portlandian-limestone soils on the outskirts of Chablis proper.
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Style: Light-bodied, very fresh and mineral‐driven—an easy entry‐point into fine Chablis. Vinified in stainless steel to preserve vibrancy.
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Why It’s Distinct: Unlike village‐level Chablis, Petit Chablis sites get less sun and sit on younger soils, yielding brighter, less complex wines. Domaine William Fèvre’s Petit Chablis is matured solely in steel vats for 8–10 months, accentuating its crisp character.
Chablis (Village)
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Appellation & Terroir: Sourced from multiple “village”-level plots on classic Kimmeridgian limestone, deeper soils than Petit Chablis.
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Style: Medium-bodied, with pronounced citrus, flinty minerality and a chalky spine. Often fermented and aged in large, neutral oak or old vats to add texture without overt oak influence.
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Why It’s Distinct: Represents 66 % of Chablis production; more depth and complexity than Petit Chablis, yet more accessible and earlier‐drinking than Premier and Grand Crus.
Chablis Premier Cru
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Appellation & Terroir: Single‐vineyard bottlings from six steep, south/(south-east)-facing slopes—Fourchaume, Montée de Tonnerre, Vaillons, Les Lys, Montmains (Mont de Milieu) and Séchet.
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Style: Fuller-bodied, richer mid-palate, often with a hint of oak from older barrels (no new oak) to add complexity while preserving hallmark minerality.
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Why It’s Distinct: Premier Crus deliver greater energy, concentration and aging potential—“more structure, maturity and balance” versus village-level wine. Fèvre produces single‐vineyard cuvées from all six sites, farmed biodynamically since 2010.
Chablis Grand Cru
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Appellation & Terroir: The pinnacle—seven named hillsides on the right bank of the Serein: Les Clos, Blanchot, Bougros, Grenouilles, Les Preuses, Valmur and Vaudésir.
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Style: Deep, powerful and intensely mineral, with layered aromas and a long, saline finish. Aged in barrel (new and seasoned oak), these wines reward extended cellaring.
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Why It’s Distinct: Grand Crus offer “the highest richness, maturity, energy and complexity” among Chablis wines.
Sauvignon de Saint-Bris
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Appellation & Terroir: From the Saint-Bris AOC just south of Chablis—the only Burgundy appellation for Sauvignon Blanc, on calcareous clay soils.
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Style: Aromatic, citrus- and exotic fruit-driven with bright acidity and underlying minerality.
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Why It’s Distinct: A white Burgundy anomaly; these wines showcase Sauvignon Blanc’s varietal character within a Burgundian, terroir-focused framework
By understanding each label’s appellation, soil type, vineyard selection and cellar treatment, you can navigate Domaine William Fèvre’s lineup—from the zesty entry-level Petit Chablis to the majestic Grand Cru bottlings and the unique Sauvignon de Saint-Bris.
