Louis Latour Chablis La Chanfleur

Louis Latour Chablis “La Chanfleure” 750mL is a clean, mineral-driven Chardonnay that shows why Chablis is so different from the richer, oakier versions of the grape found elsewhere. Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, it keeps the focus on citrus, freshness, and the limestone character of northern Burgundy rather than butter or barrel spice. The current 2024 vintage is listed at 12.5% ABV.

Process & Profile

Maison Louis Latour produces La Chanfleure from 100% Chardonnay grown in the Chablis appellation. The vines average around 30 years old and are planted on Portlandian and Kimmeridgian limestone, the calcareous soils that help define the region’s distinctive mineral style. Average yields are about 45 hl/ha, and the grapes are mechanically harvested.

The winemaking is deliberately restrained. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine then remains in stainless steel for 8–10 months, with no oak aging to cover the citrus, floral, and mineral character of the Chardonnay.

On the nose, the 2024 vintage opens with citrus and lime blossom, framed by the fresh floral character typical of the bottling.

On the palate, it is round yet fresh, with clear lemon notes and enough texture from full malolactic fermentation to keep the wine from feeling overly sharp. The absence of oak leaves the fruit and acidity especially clean.

The finish is long and distinctly mineral, with citrus lingering over the limestone-driven structure that gives Chablis its recognizable precision.

The name “La Chanfleure” has its own connection to traditional winemaking. Louis Latour explains that the term is an old synonym for tâte-vin and refers to the pipette historically used by cellar workers to draw wine from a barrel for tasting during vinification. The house adopted the name for selected wines as an additional mark of identity.

What makes this bottle particularly appealing is its straightforward expression of Chablis. There is no oak influence, no heavy extraction, and no attempt to turn Chardonnay into something richer than the site naturally produces. The combination of mature vines, limestone soils, stainless-steel aging, and bright acidity delivers the leaner, mineral side of white Burgundy. Louis Latour recommends drinking it within roughly 2–3 years and serving it at 10–12°C / 50–54°F.

Serve it chilled with oysters, shellfish, seafood, or fine charcuterie. Its citrus acidity and mineral finish make it especially strong with briny seafood, where a heavier oaked Chardonnay could easily overwhelm the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Louis Latour Chablis La Chanfleure?
A 100% Chardonnay from the Chablis appellation in northern Burgundy, produced by Maison Louis Latour and made in an unoaked, stainless-steel style.

What are the specs?
The current 2024 vintage is 750mL and 12.5% ABV. The vines average approximately 30 years old, grow on Portlandian and Kimmeridgian limestone, and the wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel for 8–10 months.

What does it taste like?
The 2024 vintage shows citrus and lime blossom on the nose, lemon on the palate, and a long mineral finish. The body is round but remains fresh and clean.

How should you enjoy it?
Serve at approximately 50–54°F / 10–12°C with shellfish, seafood, oysters, or charcuterie.

Why is this release notable?
It is a classic unoaked Chablis, using stainless-steel fermentation and aging to showcase Chardonnay grown on the region’s limestone soils. The “La Chanfleure” name also references the traditional cellar pipette once used to draw wine from barrels for tasting.