In Chablis since 1815
A man's passion
The story ofBillaud estatebegins in 1815. Since his birth,Samuel BillaudThe owner's cousin, who was familiar with the vineyard, had worked there with passion since he was old enough to pick the Chardonnay grapes. At 24, he took over the management of the estate. However, in 2008, the vineyard was sold by the family to another influential winemaker in the region.
This sale is an opportunity to begin a new, human-scale adventure. From then onSamuel Billaud acquires 4 hectares of vineyardson the slopes of Chablis and began a business as a wine merchant and producer. He eventually decided to focus on making wine under his own name and offered his first vintage from the 2015 vintage.
From the moment he planted his vines, his objective was clearly defined: to reveal the full potential of the Burgundy climate, of which he is an ambassador. Guided by this desire to create wines of aimpeccable qualityIt quickly became recognized in France, Europe and the world for the brilliant character of its vintages.
The Chablis terroir
Chablis enhanced by the work of Samuel Billaud
It is atChablisthat alignthe 4 hectares of Chardonnay vinesIdeally located, the vineyard extends over the northernmost part of theBurgundy, on the hillside. In this way, the soils are naturally drained, allowing for natural regulation of the humidity level. TheSamuel Billaud estateIt produces one of the finest white wines in the world.Chablis appellationThe massal selection of Chardonnay vines, carried out by the winemaker, ensured the superior quality of the grape variety.
The Chablis terroir boasts a remarkable diversity in the composition of its limestone soil. Indeed, it is an accumulation of marine sediments, shells, and algae that creates the terroir's unique character. These oceanic and continental influences are just some of the factors that contribute to the flourishing of the Chardonnay grapes.
Samuel BillaudSince acquiring its hectares, the owner has made it a point of honor to maintain them without using any chemical inputs. In this way, the estate is certifiedorganic viticultureThe vineyard is experiencing aplot maintenance, in a way that revealed the full potential of the climate... The vines are maintained according to theChablis techniquewhich consists of short pruning and a long framework. Bud removal and plowing are practices found in viticulture ofSamuel Billaud.
Organic viticulture and winemaking
The making of an authentic Chablis
Since acquiring the land in 2015,Samuel BillaudHe makes it a point of honor to always make his new vintages better than the previous ones. A successful endeavor, thanks to his exacting standards in the vineyards, but also in the winemaking process. The winemaker uses renewable energy at every stage, with a focus on sustainable development.
The Chardonnay grapes are vinified under optimal conditions, made possible, in particular, by the estate's new winery. After a period of pressing, racking and fermentation, the white wines are placed in the famous Burgundian barrels for aging of 8 to 16 months.
Chablis, Petit Chablis, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru wines are all gems produced at the estate. Enjoying a fine reputation, the wine produced at Domaine Samuel Billaud delights wine lovers in France as well as an international clientele.
Samuel Billaudis often described as“virtuoso of Chardonnay“On tasting, these are authentic white wines that reveal themselves. The acidity is perfectly thirst-quenching. The Chardonnay is mineral, sunny, and elegant.