Let’s head to the Chablis region, in Courgis, where a new spirit is taking root at the La Petite Empreinte estate.

A modest, almost humble name, yet one that conceals an energy and conviction that leave no one indifferent.

We met with Mélissa Bazin and Romain de Moor at the end of winter. Two young winemakers, two radiant personalities, and above all, a shared vision of wine: vibrant, committed, and deeply sincere. We hit it off immediately. And just as quickly, we fell in love with their wines.

La Petite Empreinte is, first and foremost, a story of conviction. The conviction to work the vines with respect, to let the soil speak for itself, to seek authenticity rather than showmanship. Here, nothing is set in stone; everything is in motion. You can sense a desire to learn, to refine, to progress at every stage. An infectious energy, almost contagious.

In the vineyards as well as in the cellar, the work is meticulous, unbound by dogma yet guided by a clear vision. The aging process is designed to complement the wine, never to mask it. Interventions are measured, always with the aim of preserving the identity of each plot. The result is wines that are straightforward and crisp, driven by a beautiful tension, with that extra touch of soul that makes all the difference.

What is also striking is the overall coherence. Nothing is left to chance, yet nothing feels forced either. Mélissa and Romain move forward with their ideas, their sensibility, and a sense of freedom that can be felt right down to the glass. These are wines that breathe, that vibrate, that tell a story.

This estate, still young, already has everything it takes to make its mark on the Chablis landscape. Because beyond the technique, there is a vision. And beyond the vision, there is this simple yet essential desire: to make wines that evoke emotion.

La Petite Empreinte lives up to its name. Discreet today, but with everything it takes to leave a lasting impression.