Chaude Ecuelle

History of the domaine de la Chaude Écuelle

The history of the domaine de la Chaude Écuelle goes back several generations in the Chablisien, where the Vilain family has cultivated the vine and crafted wine with passion and consistency. The evocative name of the domaine, "Chaude Écuelle", designates a historic lieu-dit where the family's first vines were planted. These plots, far from any dwellings, once obliged the winegrowers to bring their meals with them on site. They would reheat them in earthenware bowls directly among the vines, thus giving its name to this location steeped in viticultural memory.

Today run by Claire and Gérard Vilain, the estate cultivates 33 hectares of vines across all the Chablis appellations. The family perpetuates expertise passed down from generation to generation, writing new vintage chapters each year that bear witness to the Chablis terroir. The Cuvée Clovis, "Mémoire des générations", is a particularly moving tribute to great-great-uncle Clovis, a winegrower who planted the vines whose roots, to this day, give this history-laden cuvée its unique character. The estate embraces environmentally respectful growing methods and enjoys growing international recognition, notably from specialist Bill Nanson, who hails its wines as "generous and fresh, with an appealing complexity, lively, direct and smooth, remarkably seductive".

Terroirs and Vines of the domaine de la Chaude Écuelle

The vineyard of the domaine de la Chaude Écuelle spans 33 hectares (20 hectares for Chablis alone), spread across all the appellations of the Chablisien: Coteaux Bourguignons, Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire, Petit Chablis, Chablis Village, Chablis Vieilles Vignes, and three emblematic Premiers Crus (Montmains, Vaillons and Montée de Tonnerre). The vines have an average age of 40 years, with certain plots reaching remarkable ages (notably the old vines planted by Clovis, the family's great-great-uncle). Average production stands at approximately 1,000 hectolitres per year.

The soils are composed of Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) clay-limestone marl, the mythical terroir of the Chablisien that gives its Chardonnays their characteristically mineral and iodine-tinged signature. The varied exposure of the hillsides brings great aromatic diversity to the different cuvées. The encépagement is exclusively devoted to Chardonnay, the king grape of the appellation. The estate pays particular attention to the vines throughout the year, with environmentally respectful methods, manual harvesting for the most quality-driven plots, and extreme care given to the quality of the grapes entering the vat room.

Winemaking at the domaine de la Chaude Écuelle

At the Chemilly-sur-Serein cellar, the Vilain family applies a precise winemaking approach that respects the Chablis identity. The grapes are gently pressed, then the musts are settled to clarify the juice before fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, ensuring precise temperature management and pure aromatic expression. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in full, bringing balance and roundness to the wines while preserving their crystalline freshness.

The wines then age on fine lees for a duration suited to each appellation: 10 months for the Coteaux Bourguignons, Petit Chablis and Chablis Village, and 18 months for the Chablis Vieilles Vignes and the three Premiers Crus. The special Cuvée Clovis benefits from ageing partly in barrels, in pursuit of a more complex and more structured expression. Bottling takes place at the estate, following extreme care given to the stability and expression of the wine. This approach, faithful to the Chablis tradition, produces luminous, fresh, mineral wines, true to their Kimmeridgian terroir, celebrated by knowledgeable enthusiasts the world over.

The cuvées of the domaine de la Chaude Écuelle

The Coteaux Bourguignons is the estate's entry-level wine. A lively and fruity Chardonnay, marked by a fresh and refreshing palate, ideal for discovering the house style at an accessible price.

The Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire is a historic regional cuvée. A dry and light Chardonnay, marked by great freshness and a lively palate, perfect for everyday meals and aperitifs.

The Petit Chablis is a subtle and refreshing cuvée. A Chardonnay with invigorating acidity, painting a bouquet of citrus fruits accompanied by a characteristic mineral note from the Chablisien. An unpretentious wine that offers a singular sensory journey, perfect as an aperitif or with oysters and seafood.

The Chablis Village is the estate's emblematic signature wine. A Chardonnay from 20 hectares of vines averaging 40 years old, grown on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone marl. A quintessentially "Chablisien" wine, with a pale gold robe and green highlights, delicate aromas of lemon and zest, an ample and precise palate of finely chiselled citrus fruit, and a finish of beautiful purity with a refreshing acidity. The ideal wine for grilled fish and scallops.

The Chablis Vieilles Vignes is an exceptional cuvée, drawn from the estate's oldest plots. A Chardonnay distinguished by its aromatic concentration, marked by a dense texture, deep aromas of ripe yellow fruits, flint and honey, supported by a sharp mineral backbone and great ageing potential after 18 months of ageing on fine lees.

The Cuvée Clovis is the estate's confidential gem. A special cuvée in the Chablis appellation, selected from the old vines planted by great-great-uncle Clovis, partly vinified in oak barrels. Limited to 2,000 numbered bottles (2017 vintage and subsequent), it is a Chablis steeped in history — a fully realised expression of family expertise passed down through several generations, at once refined, deep and moving.

The Chablis 1er Cru Montmains is one of the estate's emblematic Premiers Crus. A taut and complex Chardonnay, marked by an incisive mineral backbone, refined aromas of white flowers, citrus and flint, supported by a long, persistent finish. A wine aged 18 months on fine lees for a fully realised expression of the climat.

The Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons is another prestigious Premier Cru from the estate. A wine with a floral and fresh nose, marked by great elegance, finely chiselled aromas of white flowers and citrus, and a taut palate of great purity. One of the most seductive Premiers Crus for its aromatic freshness.

The Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre is the pinnacle of the estate's Premier Cru range. A powerful and refined Chardonnay, marked by intense aromas of ripe yellow fruits, toasted hazelnut and flint, with subtly integrated oak notes and a beautiful lingering finish. A wine for cellaring par excellence, built to develop in the cellar and reveal its full complexity over the years.