Alain Gautheron
Alain Gautheron is the fifth generation to cultivate vines in Fleys, a village of 160 inhabitants, in Chablis. At one time, the inhabitants of Fleys were called “Gougueys” from the dialect word for snail and, in fact, M. Gautheron has some extraordinary examples of fossilized snails exhibited in his tasting room. His winery and home are located directly across from the 2 hectare 1er Cru “Les Fourneaux” vineyard. Grapes are fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. The wine stays in contact with the lees for about nine months after which they are fined, filtered and bottled. M. Gautheron’s winery is outfitted with modern equipment, yet he takes a traditional approach to making Chablis as exemplified in the simplicity of his methods and the maturing of the wine before bottling. His wines are steely and mineral driven displaying lots of focus and crisp acidity with floral, cool-climate orchard fruit, and citrus flavors. There is great depth of flavor to the wines combined with ample body and richness, balancing the sharp acidity perfectly
Domaine Gautheron is located in Fleys, 4 km from Chablis, halfway between Paris and Lyon.
The Chablis vineyard extends over limestone hillsides scattered on both sides of a river, the Serein.
The continental climate, hot in summer and cold in winter, with formidable spring frosts, the soil made up of limestone marl (Kimmeridgian), make Chablis wine an original wine.
Chablis comes from a single grape variety, Chardonnay.
1977: Alain Gautheron, sixth generation of a wine-growing family, enters the family farm run by his father Jean. The domain is then 8 hectares. Marketing is then 10,000 bottles per year.
1991: Jean Gautheron's retirement. Alain takes over the entire operation, i.e. 14.5 hectares.
2001: Cyril moved to the family farm. Creation of a new winery.
2004: Creation of a new grape reception and pressing facility. Today, the Gautheron estate in Chablis covers 25 hectares of vines spread over three appellations: Petit Chablis - Chablis - Chablis Premier Cru (Vaucoupin - Mont de Milieu - Fourneaux). Production is 150,000 bottles per year.