Francine Bachelier and her husband, Olivier Savary, own a small, highly-regarded estate in Maligny, which lies at the northern edge of the slope of the Grand Cru Chablis vineyards. Olivier markets his wines as Domaine Savary while Francine makes limited selections in the cellar for the wines of her own label. Vaillons 1er Cru is one of the older recognized Crus in Chablis totaling 15 hectares, with lovely and classic wines coming from this site with both vivacity and power. The estate’s 0.5 hectares of 40-year-old Chardonnay vines are farmed sustainably in limestone, clay and chalk soils.

Upon harvesting, grapes are gently pressed and allowed to settle. Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel, with the Premier Cru wines receiving a touch of oak — approximately 20% aged in older oak barrels for added complexity. Lime blossom, verbena, citrus and cream on the nose. Green apple and hazelnuts round out the picture, with flint mineral character and fresh acidity.