The 2023 Domaine Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis is a beautifully fresh and mineral-driven Chardonnay from one of Chablis’ longstanding family producers. Sourced from vineyards planted on Portlandian limestone soils surrounding the main Chablis appellation, the wine reflects the domaine’s restrained and terroir-focused approach, highlighting purity, tension and crisp citrus fruit. The nose reveals lemon zest, green apple and white peach layered alongside white flowers and subtle wet stone notes, giving the wine impressive lift and clarity.
On the palate, it is light-bodied with vibrant natural acidity, crisp citrus fruit and a finely etched mineral core. Layers of lemon, orchard fruit and delicate saline notes are balanced by refreshing tension and clean chalky freshness, finishing dry, energetic and beautifully persistent with excellent drinkability. Fermented and aged primarily in stainless steel, the wine preserves the bright, transparent character that defines classic Petit Chablis.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Domaine Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis is a superb everyday Burgundy Chardonnay — fresh, mineral and beautifully precise with excellent purity and versatility. Perfect with oysters, grilled prawns, sushi, goat’s cheese or lighter seafood dishes. Enjoy now through 2029+.
