Founded in 1840, Maison Simonnet-Febvre is one of the oldest traditional Chablis houses. Focus on a House that constantly strives to bring out the best in the terroirs of northern Burgundy.

A key player in Burgundy’s history

Maison Simonnet-Febvre was founded in the 19th century by Jean Febvre, then a cooper in Montbard (Côte d’Or). Before vinifying and marketing still wines, the company first specialized in the production of sparkling wines (the famous Crémants de Bourgogne) using the “traditional method”. Taken over in 2003 by Maison Louis Latour and now run by Paul Espitalié, Maison Simonnet-Febvre is proud of its style: “terroir, purity and precision”, against a backdrop of the minerality emblematic of northern Burgundy wines. Between Chablis, its historic stronghold, and Chitry-le-Fort, with its more modern infrastructure, the company vinifies and markets wines that reflect the unique character of Burgundy’s vineyards, combining tradition and modernity.

A wide variety of vineyards and wineries

Maison Simonnet-Febvre offers a wide range of wines: white, red and sparkling.

Chablis

Simonnet-Febvre vinifies the four Chablis appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru, and produces four 100% organic cuvées.
Made exclusively from Chardonnay, Chablis wines are white wines with a nose of brioche and mousseron, and a mineral, full-bodied palate that is both generous and firm.

The subsoil typical of this sub-region, the Kimmeridgian (alternating marl and marly limestone characterized by the abundant presence of a small comma-shaped oyster, theexogyra virgula), combined with maturation in stainless steel vats, give Simonnet-Febvre wines a beautiful minerality. Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume and Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos are perfect examples.

Crémants de Bourgogne

The only producer of Crémant in Chablis, the company still uses the “traditional method”: hand-picking, low yields and a minimum of 20 months’ fermentation on laths. Drawing on this heritage, Maison Simonnet-Febvre produces 5 cuvées, all with low dosage levels to respect the aromatic profile of the wines: Brut Blanc, Brut Rosé, Brut P100 (a Blanc de Noirs), Cuvée S and Crémant Dosage 0. This broad range, which includes two vintage Crémants, is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Grand Auxerrois

Simonnet-Febvre owns 15 hectares in this vineyard halfway between Chablis and Beaune, which was destroyed by phylloxera in the 19th century and then gradually replanted. This vineyard enables the Maison to produce both red and white wines. Village appellations include Saint Bris (made exclusively with Sauvignon), Irancy and Vézelay. Bourgognes Chitry, Épineuil and Coulanges la Vineuse are regional appellations reflecting the diversity of wines produced by Maison Simonnet-Febvre.

Coteaux de l’Auxois

15 hectares stretching between Villaines-les-Prévôtes and Viserny enable Simonnet-Febvre to vinify Coteaux de l’Auxois (IGP since 1996): Esprit de Lyre (a fine, fruity white wine), Saveurs de Lyre (gourmet and harmonious) and Quintessence de Lyre (frank, lively and round). Referring to the “lyre”, a particular type of vine cultivation, they symbolize the Maison’s desire to revitalize this sometimes forgotten region.

Photo by Domaine Simonnet Febvre