2015 Chablis 1er Cru “Fourchaume”

When I asked around about the origin of the name Fourchaume, I expected to hear the notion of a four, or “oven” in French, given the sun-drenched exposure of the slope, and chaume, meaning the vegetation growing on the scraggy slope between the vines, used for making the traditional thatched roofs in the area. Such a derivation would make sense, given that Fourchaume is celebrated for combining the local Kimmeridgian minerality with an uncommon unctuousness and concentration. Savary likes to drive home the point and show the depth of his Fourchaume by serving it with foie gras, with which it pairs perfectly.
       As to the name of the cru, I was surprised to discover that it’s actually derived from fourches à homme, meaning literally “pitchfork of man.” The local lord in medieval times had installed three tall wooden pillars on that slope, invoking the shape of a pitchfork to the locals, which he would use for public hangings. The altitude of the slope and its exposure to the neighboring villages made it an ideal spot to leave the corpses dangling as a constant and vivid reminder of who’s in charge. Fourchaume seems to be a cru of many surprises. The 2015 is fresh and perfumed, with hints of finely sliced lemons and crushed oyster shells. What more could you ask of your Chablis? Perfect balance? A delicious finish? Sure, it’s got all that, too, and more. –Chris Santini

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• Vintage 2015
• Bottle Size 750mL
• Blend Chardonnay
• Appellation Chablis
• Country France
• Region Burgundy
• Vineyard 30 years, 0.75 ha
• Soil Kimmeridgian Limestone
• Winemaker Olivier Savary
• Aging Wine is aged on fine lees
• Farming Traditional
• Alcohol 12.5%