Clément Lavallée - 'Les Copains d'Abord', St. Bris, Bourgogne, France (2022)

TASTING NOTES

Tightly coiled & bracing acidity, lemon balm & pith and a long, persistent finish that broadens the sensation on the palate owing to the higher clay content from this site. 

35-year-old vines on clay and silt and vinified in 60% in steel tank 40% in used barrel (fermentation and aging).

Clément Lavallée comes from a long line of Chablis growers and winemakers, but the 2019 vintage is the first under his own label. After an early interest in oenology, at the age of 15, Clement decided to travel France and the world looking for inspiration. His route began with Domaine Verret in Saint-Bris and continued on to Domaine des Terres de Velle and Armand Heitz in the Côte de Nuits, where he developed his knowledge of making great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while also learning about biodynamic viticulture. After a detour in Beaujolais, the next stop was at Château Margaux to discover what goes into making an iconic wine. He then went on to work for Domaine Chapoutier, furthering his knowledge of biodynamic principles and learning to manage both small and large production volumes simultaneously. He finished his tour in Australia at Rutherglen, the culmination of a journey that led Clément to not only discover new winemaking techniques but also to discover himself.

Clément returned to his father’s estate in 2018, but after one vintage there, he realized that they had different ideas. So, in 2019, he decided to strike out on his own, starting with buying 1.6 ha in Chablis and also purchasing grapes from Saint-Bris and Côtes d’Auxerre. After his first vintage, his father decided to give him a further 3.5 ha of vineyards in the Chablis, Cotes d’Auxerre, and Saint-Bris appellations.

Clément no longer uses chemicals or insecticides in the vineyard and is working towards full organic viticulture. In addition, he is using more natural practices in the cellar, such as utilizing only native yeast fermentation, no sulfur during pressing and working with a preference for moving the must by gravity rather than pumping. As a vigneron, Clément has taken his diverse influences and channeled them towards making fresh, modern wines from lesser-known appellations. By embracing Chablis, Saint-Bris, and Côtes d’Auxerre, he is part of a new generation of winemakers that are exploring the vast potential that still lies uncovered throughout Burgundy.