Chablis Pinots?

I was wondering if any producers in Chablis make pinots. I know it would have to be a vin de France and not AOC. However given the climatic changes, I was wondering if any producers have been trying pinots. I’m not plugged in enough to know one way or another.

irancy is your friend :grin:

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Irancy is Pinot Noir made in a village right next to Chablis, with soils and climate similar to Chablis. The wines are oftentimes made by Chablis producers. Therefore, in my admittedly amateur-level mind, I think of Irancy essentially as red Chablis.

In fact, I recently had a 2021 Irancy made by a true Chablis master: Dauvissat. Too bad I found the wine thoroughly unenjoyable.

My TN: The idea of a red Chablis made by a true Chablis expert was interesting. While intellectually compelling, it did not follow through in the drinking experience.

Thin. Lacking intensity, concentration, and interest. It’s serviceable, but that’s about it. I’m not interested in seeking it out again.

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Burgundy is a cool-climate region. Chablis is the coolest region in Burgundy. 2021 was a cool vintage. I suppose the end result you experienced should not be particularly surprising!

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Good point. I’ve had quite a few of the Dauvissat Irancy bottles and like them a lot.

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I’ve had it once and liked it quite a bit.

However, since many 2021 Burgs in regions south from Chablis have come across as very light, delicate and cool-climatey, it’s not a surprise if a 2021 from the northerly Irancy might come across as thin and shrill!

I had the 2019 recently and it was far from anemic. I’m very good condition - a delightfully moreish, if not earth shattering drink.

Fair enough. You always hear “great winemakers can make the best of a tough vintage”, or “the true quality of a winemaker is revealed in difficult vintages, not great vintages”, etc etc. To be fair, I haven’t had any other 2021 Irancy, so for all I know Dauvissat still might be head and shoulders above the others.

But your point is well taken, I wouldn’t say no to another chance to try the wine from another vintage. I’m still not going out of my way to find it though.

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non-commercial post: The company I owned imports these wines:

Gabin & Felix Richoux produce Irancy as a village wine, as well as four single vineyard wines, a basic Chablis, a Pinot Gris(!) and a Cesar(!!!).
I find the wines to be classically Burgundian. The regular ‘village’ is IMO a very good Burgundy value which can be found for ~$35. Of the single vineyards, the ‘Veaupessiot’ is my favorite (except for the more expensive ‘Merci la Foule’). It should be available for about $50.

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You gets some reds in Épineuil, which is in the locale, also some bourgogne from east of Venoy too

If you haven’t already, go find some Richoux from 2019, or 2017. Awesome stuff.

Stay clear of 18. A little too ripe and heady (Village and Veaupessiot, Les Cailles is slightly more balanced).

I love 2019 Richebourg… Oh…

I just had the ‘22 basic Irancy from Richoux, looks like an outstanding vintage.