H i s t o r i c T e r r o i r s

Daniel-Étienne Defaix
Estate

Since 1610

Eight Centuries of History in the Heart of Chablis

At the Origins of the Chablis Appellation

Daniel-Étienne Defaix owns one of the oldest estates in the Chablis region, with the Vieux Château dating back eight centuries.

For four generations, the Defaix family has been winemakers, passing on their craft from father to son.

The family estate stretches across some of the most historic terroirs of Chablis—precisely where, a thousand years ago, the monks of Pontigny selected the very parcels that would give the Chablis appellation its nobility.

Today, Daniel-Étienne Defaix continues this centuries-old monastic heritage, upholding traditional vineyard practices. A clean, healthy vineyard produces high-quality grapes—and therefore high-quality wines.

Kimmeridgian: The Cradle of Chardonnay

The 28-hectare estate is entirely planted with Chardonnay on the region’s emblematic soil: Kimmeridgian marl (Upper Jurassic clay-limestone rich in tiny fossilized oysters).

The monks of Pontigny always favored the steep south-east-facing slopes. This orientation remains a major advantage for Chablis—a vineyard sensitive to spring frost—because it captures the first rays of the sun and limits the risk of major crop losses.

A Family Tradition

Daniel-Étienne Defaix crafts his wines in the purest respect for family tradition:

  • Two Chablis cuvées:
    Vieilles & Très Vieilles Vignes.
  • Three Chablis Premier Cru:
    Les Lys, Vaillon & Côte de Léchet.
  • Two Chablis Grand Cru:
    Blanchot et Grenouilles.
  • One Bourgogne Rouge
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