Romain Collet 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux

Romain Collet 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux is a finely etched, terroir-driven Chardonnay that balances crystalline freshness with subtle depth and texture. Elegant rather than opulent, it delivers classic Chablis minerality layered with ripe citrus and stone fruit, finishing with precision and poise. This is a Premier Cru that speaks clearly of place, offering both immediate charm and cellar-worthy structure.

Origins & Craftsmanship

The Butteaux Premier Cru vineyard lies on the left bank of the Serein River, part of the esteemed Montmains Premier Cru grouping. Its south-to-southeast exposure and classic Kimmeridgian limestone soils give wines of finesse, minerality, and aromatic clarity.

Key production details:

• Producer: Romain Collet, a family estate deeply rooted in Chablis, emphasizing vineyard expression and restrained winemaking.

• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay.

• Terroir: Steep slopes of limestone and fossilized marine sediments impart tension, salinity, and mineral precision.

• Winemaking: Careful, temperature-controlled fermentation preserves purity and aromatic detail.

• Aging: Predominantly stainless steel with limited oak influence, allowing the vineyard’s minerality and fruit profile to remain front and center.

The 2023 vintage highlights freshness and balance, aligning beautifully with the refined character of Butteaux.

Critics Reviews & Professional Impressions

Professional Burgundy and Chablis reviewers consistently regard Butteaux as one of the more elegant and expressive Premier Crus, and Romain Collet’s 2023 bottling is praised for:

• Clear mineral definition paired with ripe yet restrained fruit

• Textural finesse, offering more depth than village Chablis while maintaining precision

• Classic Chablis typicity, emphasizing terroir over oak or excess weight

Among tasters, this wine is often highlighted as a strong example of modern, purity-driven Premier Cru Chablis with aging potential.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Bright and focused aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, layered with crushed stone, chalk dust, and a faint saline note. Subtle white floral hints add lift.

Palate:
Crisp and linear on entry, unfolding into flavors of citrus, pear, and delicate stone fruit. The mid-palate shows gentle creaminess balanced by vibrant acidity and pronounced mineral tension.

Finish:
Long, clean, and precise. Lingering citrus, wet stone, and saline minerality fade slowly, leaving a refreshing, refined impression.

Quick Overview