Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume

One of the possible explanations behind this Climat’s name is quite sinister; "Fourche" (fork) might refer to a fork in the road or else a gibbet!

Fourchaume lies to the north, along the right bank of the Serein. This flag-bearing Climat stretches approximately 4 kilometers between L’Homme Mort and Vaulorent and can be difficult to grasp geographically. Spread over 4 municipalities (Chablis-Poinchy, Fontenay-près-Chablis, Maligny and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne), its appearance and topography are quite unusual. Its west and southwest exposure make it a sun-drenched terroir where grapes ripen early. Wide open to the valley of the Serein, Fourchaume exhibits a diversity of topographies. Yet a tendency can be discerned: its soils are predominantly brown clay and only slightly stony. Most of them are fairly deep and well-draining, with a good water supply.
Fourchaume and the neighboring Climats that fall under its banner cover close to 130 hectares.

Chablis 1er Cru L’Homme Mort

An old tree, "l’orme mort" (dead elm), or an ancient cemetery at the entrance of the valley? Etymologists are suggesting different theories.

L’Homme Mort becomes visible only from the far end of the flag-bearing Climat Fourchaume. It is one of the largest and, above all, the northernmost Climat of the right bank, with a west and southwest exposure. The layer of marl and Kimmerigian (limestone very rich in fossils of Exogyra virgula, those small oysters so typical of Chablis) gradually sinks along Fourchaume before coming back up as it goes northward, to essentially disappear as it reaches l’Homme Mort.

Chablis 1er Cru Vaupulent

Badgers and ferrets may have dug their burrows in this valley of Chablis Premier Cru.

Located on the right bank of the Serein, Vaupulent benefits from a beautiful south and southwest exposure. Lying along a hill with gentle slopes, it is naturally well-ventilated. Despite getting very hot in the summer, this Climat is a little cooler than its flag-bearing Climat Fourchaume, but the grapes still ripen quite quickly! In terms of subsoil, this Climat is particularly representative of Chablis — it is mainly composed of Kimmeridgian limestone marls, covered with rather deep brown to reddish clays. Consequently, even in the full blast of summer heat, Vaupulent’s water level remains high and it never suffers from water stress.

Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Fontenay

As its name suggests, this Climat sits at the entrance of the valley leading to the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis.

Côte de Fontenay lies under the flag-bearing Climat Fourchaume, alongside L'Homme Mort, Vaupulent and Vaulorent. One only has to look at a map of the vineyard to see that Fourchaume and its secondary Climats form an L shape. Côte de Fontenay settles itself on the short side of the L shape. Even though a steep slope and a southeast exposure maximize its sunlight, Côte de Fontenay is subject to North winds rushing through the Fontenay valley, and thus prone to slower grape maturation than its neighbors. The limestone marl, rich in Exogyra virgula, is part of the subsoil of this Climat. Sometimes difficult to work, the sticky clays covering the surface are a true reflection of Chablis’ defining characteristics.

Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent

A landowner by the name of Laurent seems to have given his name to this Climat. 

Although located on the right bank of the Serein and sharing certain characteristics with its flag-bearing Climat Fourchaume, only Vaulorent touches the Chablis Grand Cru appellation. It flirts with two famous neighbors: Preuses and Bougros. This proximity to the Chablis Grand Cru vineyards gives it a special aura; looking out over the Serein valley, it benefits from a double exposure and ideal sun conditions. The soils are deep and clayey at the foot of the hill and become rockier at the top.