Chaude Ecuelle

History of Domaine de la Chaude Écuelle

The history of Domaine de la Chaude Écuelle stretches back several generations in the Chablis region, where the Vilain family has cultivated vines and crafted wine with passion and consistency. The evocative name of the estate, "Chaude Écuelle", refers to a historic lieu-dit where the family's first vines were planted. These plots, far from any dwellings, once required winegrowers to bring their meals with them to the site. They would warm them in terracotta bowls directly in the vineyards, thus giving this location, steeped in viticultural memory, its name.

Today led by Claire and Gérard Vilain, the estate cultivates 33 hectares of vines across all Chablis appellations. The family perpetuates the expertise passed down from generation to generation, writing new vintages each year as testaments to the Chablis terroir. The Clovis cuvée, "Mémoire des générations", is a particularly moving tribute to great-grand-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 cultivation methods and enjoys growing international recognition, notably from specialist Bill Nanson, who praises its wines as "generous and fresh, of an enticing complexity, lively, direct and unctuous, remarkably seductive".

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine de la Chaude Écuelle

The vineyard of Domaine de la Chaude Écuelle extends over 33 hectares (20 hectares for Chablis alone), spread across all the appellations of the Chablis region: 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-grand-uncle). Average production amounts to approximately 1,000 hectolitres per year.

The soils are composed of Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) argilo-calcareous marls, the mythical terroir of the Chablis region that imparts to the Chardonnays their characteristic mineral and iodine signature. The varied exposure of the hillsides brings great aromatic diversity to the different cuvées. The grape variety is exclusively 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 qualitative plots, and extreme care given to the quality of the grapes entering the winery.

Winemaking at Domaine de la Chaude Écuelle

At the Chemilly-sur-Serein cellar, the Vilain family applies a precise winemaking process that is respectful of 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 a pure aromatic expression. Malolactic fermentation is complete, bringing balance and roundness to the wines while preserving their crystalline freshness.

Ageing then takes place on fine lees, for a duration adapted 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 Clovis cuvée benefits from partial ageing in barrel, in pursuit of a more complex and 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, yields luminous, fresh, mineral wines that are true to their Kimmeridgian terroir, celebrated by knowledgeable enthusiasts the world over.

The cuvées of Domaine de la Chaude Écuelle

The Coteaux Bourguignons is the estate's entry-level offering. 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 mineral note characteristic of the Chablis region. An unpretentious and humble wine that offers a singular sensory journey, perfect as an aperitif or paired with oysters and seafood.

The Chablis Village is the estate's emblematic signature. A Chardonnay sourced from 20 hectares of vines averaging 40 years of age on Kimmeridgian argilo-calcareous marls. A quintessentially "Chablisian" wine, with a pale gold robe and green highlights, delicate aromas of lemon and citrus zest, an ample and precise palate of finely chiselled citrus fruit, and a finish with a tangy, beautifully pure freshness. The ideal wine for grilled fish and scallops.

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

The Cuvée Clovis is the estate's confidential gem. A special cuvée under the Chablis appellation, selected from the old vines planted by great-grand-uncle Clovis, partly vinified in oak barrels. Production is limited to 2,000 numbered bottles (2017 vintage and subsequent ones), making it a Chablis steeped in history — a fully realised expression of family expertise passed down through several generations, at once refined, profound 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 fruits 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 fruits, 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 woody notes and a beautiful lingering finish. A wine for ageing par excellence, built to develop in the cellar and reveal its full complexity over the years.