Samuel Billaud Estate, The Perfect Balance Between Tradition and Innovation in Chablis

An independent winemaker carrying on a deep-rooted heritage

After nearly twenty years working at the family-owned Billaud-Simon estate, Samuel Billaud founded his own winery in 2009. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a profound respect for Chablis’ terroirs, he crafts wines of remarkable precision, showcasing the purest expression of Chardonnay. In just a few vintages, he has become one of the region’s most sought-after producers, blending technical expertise with an intuitive approach to winemaking.

Exceptional vineyards capturing the essence of Chablis

The Samuel Billaud Estate carefully selects its vineyard plots from the finest hillsides in Chablis. His holdings include prestigious Grand Crus such as Les Clos, Blanchot, and Vaudésir, alongside renowned Premier Crus like Montée de Tonnerre, Mont de Milieu, and Séchet. These terroirs are defined by Kimmeridgian limestone soils, rich in fossilized marine life, which impart a striking minerality and layered complexity to the wines.

Precision winemaking focused on fruit purity and minerality

Every step of the vinification process is meticulously designed to preserve the character of the terroir and enhance the purity of Chardonnay. Fermentations take place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, ensuring the wines retain their freshness and vibrant energy. The estate’s top cuvées undergo aging in large-format oak barrels, with a carefully measured use of new wood to introduce subtle complexity without overpowering the wine’s natural profile. This approach results in wines that are both precise and structured, with impressive aging potential.

Wines renowned for their brilliance and finesse

Samuel Billaud’s Chablis wines are celebrated for their dazzling aromatics and impeccable balance. His village-level wines reveal bright citrus, white flower, and flinty notes, while the Premier and Grand Crus develop deeper layers of stone fruit, iodine, and brioche. As they age, these wines gain additional richness while maintaining a remarkable tension, making them ideal for long-term cellaring.

A commitment to sustainable and respectful viticulture

With a strong focus on environmental preservation, Samuel Billaud adopts sustainable practices in his vineyards, limiting chemical interventions and prioritizing natural methods. His meticulous work both in the vineyard and the cellar translates into wines of outstanding authenticity, true to the identity of Chablis. Thanks to this philosophy, he has earned his place among the most respected winemakers in the region, attracting the attention of wine lovers and collectors worldwide.