Domaine Jean Goulley Chablis Premier Cru Montmains 2025 is a beautifully fresh and mineral-driven white Burgundy, made from 100% Chardonnay grown organically in one of Chablis' established Premier Cru vineyards. Produced entirely without oak, this wine captures the distinctive character of Montmains through its intense mineral aromas, vibrant citrus fruit and crisp acidity. The palate is pure and rounded, with a subtle creamy texture that develops into a long, mouthwatering finish, marked by the saline character associated with classic Chablis.
 
Domaine Jean Goulley was established in 1986 by Jean Goulley and remains a family-run estate. Today, it is managed by his granddaughter Maud Goulley, who took over from her father Philippe in January 2022, following his involvement in the domaine for nearly four decades. The family cultivates approximately 18 hectares of vineyards, including 4.5 hectares within Chablis Premier Cru appellations. In 1991, Domaine Jean Goulley became one of the earliest certified organic producers in Chablis, establishing an approach to viticulture that continues to shape the character of its wines. Maud maintains this commitment through organic vineyard management, restrained winemaking and a focus on expressing the natural character of each site.
 
Montmains is situated on an exposed hillside to the south-west of the town of Chablis, where the vineyards are known for producing fresh, elegant Chardonnay with pronounced mineral character. The vines, trained using the traditional Double Guyot system, have an average age of approximately 45 years. They grow in Kimmeridgian soils composed of clay and limestone containing fossilised marine shells, a defining geological feature of the Chablis region. Planted at a density of around 5,700 vines per hectare, the vineyards are carefully managed, with yields restricted to a maximum of 55 hectolitres per hectare. Organic cultivation and thoughtful vineyard management allow the fruit to develop while retaining the freshness and precision that distinguish the Montmains Premier Cru.
 
In the cellar, Maud Goulley follows a minimal-intervention approach, allowing the Chardonnay and its vineyard origins to remain at the forefront. Grapes are harvested at optimum maturity and fermented using natural yeasts in temperature-controlled vats. The wine is then matured for nine months in stainless steel, with no oak influence, preserving the purity of its fruit and mineral expression. Sulphur use is restricted during vinification, and the finished wine undergoes light filtration before bottling.
 
Domaine Jean Goulley Chablis Premier Cru Montmains 2025 offers a particularly clear expression of unoaked Premier Cru Chablis. Its combination of citrus freshness, pronounced minerality, gentle texture and a long saline finish makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate Chardonnay with precision, energy and a strong sense of place.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Nose: Intense mineral aromas with fresh citrus notes and vibrant fruit, complemented by a subtle oyster-shell character.
Palate: Pure and rounded, with lively citrus fruit, crisp acidity and a gentle creamy texture. The mineral character remains prominent throughout.
Finish: Long, mouthwatering and saline, with lingering freshness and a clean mineral impression.
 
Serving Recommendation & Food Pairing
 
Serve at approximately 10–12°C in a white wine glass that allows the mineral and citrus aromas to develop. Avoid serving excessively cold, as the wine's subtle creamy texture and layered character become more apparent as it warms slightly in the glass.
 
The wine's crisp acidity, saline finish and absence of oak make it a particularly good partner for seafood. Fresh oysters are a natural choice, while its mineral freshness also complements mussels, clams, crab, prawns and simply prepared white fish.
 
Its rounded texture provides enough substance for richer seafood dishes, including pan-fried scallops, grilled sea bass or turbot with a light lemon butter sauce. It would also work well with goat's cheese, delicate vegetable dishes and fresh salads.
 
For a classic Chablis pairing, serve alongside freshly opened oysters or grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs.