Domaine Besson, Chablis 1er Cru Montmains, Burgundy, France, 2022

Producer Profile

Situated in the heart of Chablis, Domaine Besson is the proud possessor of an exceptional wine-producing heritage, seeking to express and transmit through its wines the purity and sensitivity of this unique terroir.

The estate is an independent, family-owned and run domaine spanning four generations. Today, their 21ha comprises holdings in Petit Chablis, Chablis and selected Premiers/Grands Crus. Owner Alain Besson has recently handed more control to his daughter Camille, who looks after the winemaking and marketing, and son Adrien, who is responsible for the vineyard work. Practising lutte raisonnée in the vineyards and manual harvesting for the Grands Crus, the family’s thoughtful, sensitive winemaking gives rise to a range of wines that offer a pure expression of fruit combined with fine and elegant styling.

Viticulture

The Montmains 1er Cru sits atop Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils, imparting classic Chablis minerality. Domaine Besson farms 5.2 hectares of this site using Guyot pruning, sustainable agriculture methods, and mechanical ploughing, aiming for purity and focus in the fruit. Harvest is by hand to ensure grapes are in peak condition before gentle pressing.

Winemaking

Fermentation and aging occur primarily in stainless steel tanks (95%), with about 5–8% fermented in older oak barrels. The wine is aged on lees for 12–18 months, which builds texture while maintaining freshness. Cold, controlled fermentation preserves the vibrant fruit and structural minerality characteristic of Montmains

Tasting Note

Aromas are strikingly flinty and marine—think oyster shell and wet stone—layered with white blossom, citrus zest, and orchard fruits like green apple, pear, and melon. On the palate, it's taut and minerally, with crisp acidity driving vibrant citrus and chalk‑dust flavors, while a subtle salinity and chalky finish give lasting tension and freshness .

Food Matching

White meats—poultry, pork—and creamy cheeses or mildly spiced dishes.

Awards