Domaine Billaud-Simon

Domaine Billaud-Simon was founded in 1815 by Charles Louis Noël Billaud in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The estate grew significantly in the 1930s when Jean Billaud married Renée Simon, merging two family names and expanding the domaine's holdings. Bernard Billaud managed the property until 2014, when the Faiveley family, known for their Burgundy négociant business, acquired it. Despite the acquisition, the domaine operates independently from Domaine Faiveley. Olivier Bailly joined as winemaker in 2015 and continues to shape the estate's direction.

• Founded 1815 by Charles Louis Noël Billaud
• Name expanded in the 1930s through the Billaud-Simon marriage
• Faiveley family acquired the estate in 2014
• Olivier Bailly appointed winemaker in 2015

The estate farms 17 hectares spread across both banks of the Serein River in Chablis. All vineyards are planted on the region's signature Kimmeridgian limestone soils, rich in marine fossils and iodine, which are central to Chablis' distinctive mineral character. The semi-continental climate of the region brings cool temperatures and the risk of spring frost, reinforcing the estate's philosophy of harvesting late to achieve full ripeness. Vine age is a key asset: the average vine is 50 years old, with certain plots surpassing 80 years.

• Kimmeridgian limestone soils rich in marine fossils and iodine
• Semi-continental climate with cool growing conditions
• Vines average 50 years; some plots over 80 years old
• Vineyards span both banks of the Serein River

Billaud-Simon is committed to expressing the pure, mineral character of Chablis with minimal intervention. The majority of wines are aged in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving freshness and avoiding oak influence. Fermentation relies on natural, indigenous yeasts rather than cultured strains. The estate follows a late harvest philosophy, waiting for optimal ripeness before picking. Sustainable practices have been in place for years, and formal organic certification began in 2022, with full certification targeted for the 2025 vintage.

• Stainless steel vats preserve freshness with minimal oak
• Natural indigenous yeasts used for fermentation
• Late harvest philosophy for full ripeness
• Organic certification process began in 2022

The estate produces wines across all levels of the Chablis hierarchy, from Petit Chablis through village-level Chablis to Premier Cru and Grand Cru. A standout bottling is Tête d'Or, a prestigious village-level cuvée sourced from parcels adjacent to Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. At the top of the range, four Grand Cru sites, Les Clos, Vaudésir, Les Preuses, and Les Blanchots, represent some of the most coveted addresses in all of Chablis. Four Premier Cru vineyards round out the portfolio: Montée de Tonnerre, Fourchaume, Mont de Milieu, and Les Vaillons.

• Full range from Petit Chablis through four Grand Cru sites
• Tête d'Or is a premium village-level cuvée from parcels near Grand and Premier Cru sites
• Grand Cru holdings: Les Clos, Vaudésir, Les Preuses, Les Blanchots
• Premier Cru holdings: Montée de Tonnerre, Fourchaume, Mont de Milieu, Les Vaillons