Daniel-Etienne Defaix: The heart of the Chablis vineyard

The estate Daniel-Etienne Defaix makes party one of the oldest estates in the Chablis vineyards. For over 8 centuries, they have continued to uphold the values of this estate. In this article, you'll discover the finest cuvées from this fine domaine, with a renowned winemaker who has a smile and a remarkable sense of humor. If you love the great white wines of Burgundy, you've come to the right place!

> See Daniel-Étienne Defaix wines in stock

Estate presentation

The 26-hectare estate produces 2 vintages of Chablis3 vintages of Chablis Premier Cru and 2 vintages of Chablis Grand Cru. The estate looks after its vines, with ageing lasting 12 months for the Chablis and 18 to 24 months for the Premiers and Grands Crus. No sulfur is added during fermentation, and the wine is protected by carbon dioxide. It also prevents the destruction of the yeasts that allow the terroir to express itself, enriching the wine with tertiary aromas conducive to ageing with fresh fruit. It adds a fatty touch to the wine, and is making clear progress. 

The producer is in the twelfth generation and is keen to maintain the traditions of the family estate. While he continued his studies, in 1978 he settled on the estate. Subsequently, he surrounded himself with his compatriots, building the domaine into one of France's finest bases in the world of oenology.

Domaine D.E. Defaix wines:

In this article, we'll introduce you to some superb wines produced by the property of Daniel-Etienne Defaix. Most of these wines are in stock on our site. We are fortunate to have allocations every year from the estate. You can even set up an email alert in your Comptoir des Millésimes customer account! This way, you'll be the first to know when arrivals from domain Daniel-Etienne Defaix. Here are the finest vintages:

 

• Chablis Grand Cru les Grenouilles :

The main grape variety is Chardonnay, as are most of the cuvées from this estate. The bouquet of this cuvée has good minerality and is at once refreshing. Citrus notes such as lemon and peach are prominent. On the palate, it has floral notes of lilac, white rose and mountain herbs. This is a very well-balanced wine. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif with cheese, or for lunch with seafood.

• Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot - Daniel-Etienne Defaix :

This cuvée has an alcohol content of 13 % and the main grape variety is Chardonnay. She is both light and powerful. There are woody notes such as oak, but also hints of toast and honey. It goes perfectly with shellfish.

 

• Chablis 1er cru Vaillon - D.E Defaix :

It can be drunk young or kept for a decade. The bouquet gives a good taste of honey, buttered citrus and preserved lemons. The palate is medium-bodied, satiny and brilliant. It has a generous, textured attack, brilliant acids and a charming, open profile that belies its obvious ability to age. It's well worth opening during its release. You can decant it during its early years.

 

 

• Chablis 1er cru Les Lys - D.E Defaix :

Full-bodied, textured, open and generous. A very promising vintage. Aromas of blanched almonds, beeswax, honey and candied lemon. Tart on the palate, with a stony finish. It can also be drunk young after decanting, or kept for a decade.

 

• Chablis 1er cru Côte de Léchet - D.E Defaix :

This cuvée has a distinctive minerality and salinity. A promising wine with a medium-bodied profile, bright attack and acidity. It goes very well with fish or poultry in cream sauce.

 

The Chablis Vieilles-Vignes cuvée is also one of the estate's finest. Discover it now!

 

We hope you enjoy this article on the subject. NIf you have any questions, please leave a comment and we'll get back to you. For more wine articles on the Burgundy region, please visit our blog, in the "Guide des Domaines" section: 

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Official website of Daniel Etienne Defaix