Domaine de l'Enclos: Organic Vineyards

Introduction to Domaine de l'Enclos

Domaine de l'Enclos, nestled in the heart of Chablis, spans 33 hectares of organically farmed vineyards certified by Ecocert. The domaine represents the dedication of two brothers, Romain and Damien, who work alongside a committed team to maintain the vineyard and craft wines with precision and care. Established on historical grounds once linked to the Pontigny Abbey, the domaine combines traditional winemaking with modern techniques. Since 2016, all winemaking has been conducted in a state-of-the-art gravity-fed cellar designed for minimal intervention.

The Domaine’s Approach to Viticulture

The cultivation at Domaine de l'Enclos emphasizes sustainable practices that respect both the environment and the vineyard’s history. The team engages in year-round vineyard management, including:

• Pruning: They employ Poussard pruning, a method that prioritizes vine health and longevity.
• Organic Fertilization: Natural fertilizers are used exclusively, promoting soil vitality.
• Canopy Management: Practices such as disbudding, careful trellising, and leaf removal are executed manually to optimize grape quality.
• Soil Health: Maintaining soil life is a key focus, achieved through light tilling and cover crop sowing.

The domaine employs preventative measures against vine diseases using natural treatments, including copper, sulfur, and plant-based preparations. Harvesting is conducted entirely by hand across all appellations, ensuring the highest quality of fruit is brought to the cellar.

Premiers Crus of Domaine de l'Enclos

The domaine's holdings in the Premier Cru vineyards highlight its commitment to cultivating Chablis' most revered terroirs. Each plot carries unique characteristics shaped by soil composition and microclimate:

1. La Fourchaume Dédé (0.28 ha): The oldest vines of the domaine, planted in the early 1960s, are located here. These vines pay homage to the domaine’s origins, producing wines aged in oak for 14 months.

2. La Fourchaume (1.27 ha): Comprising three west-facing plots, this area includes vines planted across decades. The terroir reflects the historic Fourchaume hillside’s legacy.

3. Montmains (0.55 ha): Planted in 1971, this vineyard sits adjacent to the Forest climate, adding to its significance within the Montmains appellation.

4. Mont de Milieu (0.75 ha): At the western end of the Monts de Milieu, this plot was replanted in 1995, providing a notable representation of this highly regarded location.

5. Vau de Vey (2.77 ha): With organic farming initiated in 2010, this steep, east-facing slope reflects the precision-driven approach of the domaine.

6. Beauroy (2.40 ha): Overlooking the lake of Beine, this large plot features steep slopes and was planted in 1980.

Each Premier Cru vineyard is carefully managed to highlight the nuances of its specific terroir, ensuring the wines express their origin with clarity.

Grands Crus at Domaine de l'Enclos

Domaine de l'Enclos holds exceptional parcels in the Grand Cru appellation, which embody the pinnacle of Chablis' terroir:

• Les Clos (0.67 ha): Planted in 1964 by the brothers’ grandfather, this vineyard occupies a prime position on the lower half of the Les Clos hillside. Its historical significance underscores its importance to the domaine.

• Blanchot (0.22 ha): This small yet steep plot, planted in 1982, is exclusively managed by hand. It represents the meticulous care given to the domaine’s smallest holdings.

• Vaudésir (0.57 ha): Replanted in 1992, this parcel benefits from its south-facing position in the Vaudésir valley, showcasing the family’s dedication to revitalizing prestigious vineyard sites.

The Grands Crus are vinified with the same low-intervention philosophy as the rest of the domaine's wines, highlighting the unique characteristics of each site.

Chablis and Petit Chablis

The domaine’s holdings extend across the broader Chablis appellation, showcasing the diversity of terroirs within the region:

• Chablis "Gabrielle" (2.5 ha): Made from the oldest vines in La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, this wine reflects a historical terroir known for its complexity and structure.

• Chablis "A l’Ouest" (2.5 ha): This western plot in Beine is a limestone-dominant site producing wine under minimal intervention practices.

• Chablis (15.30 ha): Representing a blend of plots averaging 30 years of age, these vineyards span across Chablis, La Chapelle, and Beine.

• Petit Chablis (1.75 ha): Located on Portlandian soil, this plateau vineyard was planted in the 1980s, offering an approachable expression of Chablis’ limestone-rich terroir.

These vineyards collectively demonstrate the breadth of the domaine's expertise and its ability to manage varied sites with consistency and precision.

Vinification Philosophy

Since 2016, vinification at Domaine de l'Enclos has adhered to a gravity-fed, minimal-intervention approach. Key aspects include:

• Harvesting: Grapes are picked at full maturity and sorted manually.
• Pressing: Pneumatic presses ensure gentle extraction.
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts initiate fermentation without additives or chaptalization.
• Maturation: Wines are aged on lees in stainless steel tanks or barrels for up to 18 months. No fining or cold treatments are applied, and sulfur is added sparingly before bottling.

The resulting process prioritizes transparency, allowing each wine to authentically reflect its vineyard origins.

Conclusion

Domaine de l'Enclos stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of Romain and Damien, who balance tradition and innovation in their work. Through careful vineyard management, certified organic farming, and thoughtful vinification, the domaine has cemented its place among Chablis' leading producers. Whether from the esteemed Grand Cru sites or the approachable Petit Chablis, Domaine de l'Enclos demonstrates an unwavering commitment to showcasing the purity and integrity of Chablis’ terroirs.