Chablis Premier Cru Vaucoupin

Vaucoupin sits within the commune of Chichée on the right bank of the Serein river, classified as a Chablis Premier Cru under the broader Chablis appellation in northern Burgundy. The vineyard covers 45 hectares, making it a substantial site within the premier cru landscape. It is also known by the alternate names Vaucoupins and Adroit de Vaucoupins, reflecting the historical subdivision of ownership common across Chablis premier cru sites.

• Commune: Chichée, right bank of the Serein
• Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru
• Also listed as Vaucoupins or Adroit de Vaucoupins
• Total area: 45 hectares

The soils at Vaucoupin are Kimmeridgian in origin, composed of roughly equal proportions of limestone and clay. This classic Chablis soil type, rich in fossilized marine organisms from the Kimmeridgian age, underpins the saline, stony character found in the wines. The south and west-facing slopes deliver full sun exposure throughout the growing season, creating a warm terroir that can be challenging in particularly dry years when water stress becomes a limiting factor.

• Kimmeridgian limestone and clay in roughly equal measure
• South and west-facing aspects maximize sun exposure
• Warm site; vulnerable to drought stress in dry vintages
• Fossil-rich soils link Vaucoupin to classic Chablis minerality

Despite its right-bank address, Vaucoupin produces wines that lean toward the style more commonly associated with the left bank: intense minerality, citrus drive, saline notes, and floral lift. The wines are described as elegant, pure, and taut, with the energy and precision that distinguish quality Chablis from less focused examples. This unexpected stylistic alignment with the left bank is one of the site's most interesting characteristics and a key reason for its growing critical reputation.

• Intense minerality and saline notes typical of left-bank sites
• Citrus-forward with floral aromatics
• Taut, pure, and energetic structure
• Elegant rather than broad or full-bodied

The origin of the name Vaucoupin is debated. One interpretation traces it to 'vallée coupée,' meaning a cut or cleared valley, referring to the topography of the site. Another theory connects it to the Copin family, historic landowners in the area. The vineyard was historically ranked among the third tier of Chablis premier crus, a classification that undervalued its potential. Over recent decades, producers and critics alike have reassessed Vaucoupin, recognizing the quality and energy achievable from this terroir.

• Name possibly from 'vallée coupée' or linked to the Copin family
• Historically categorized as a lesser premier cru
• Now gaining recognition for quality, precision, and energy
• Multiple ownership divisions reflected in alternate naming conventions

A range of producers from both small domaines and larger négociant houses work with Vaucoupin fruit. Jean-Pierre Grossot and Domaine Gautheron are among the most respected domaine-level names, while Corinne Perchaud, Domaine Oudin, and Domaine des Genèves represent committed smaller producers. Long-Depaquit and Ropiteau Frères bring négociant perspective to the climat, and Domaine Céline et Frédéric Gueguen and J. Moreau and Fils round out the range of styles available from this premier cru.

• Jean-Pierre Grossot: highly regarded small domaine
• Domaine Gautheron: consistent quality from Chichée
• Long-Depaquit: major négociant with extensive Chablis holdings
• Corinne Perchaud and Domaine Oudin: boutique producers gaining attention