Everyone has heard of Chablis, but how many have truly explored the fresh, pure nuances of this expressive Chardonnay from France? One of my favorite wines to pair with a range of foods from raw oysters to escargots in garlic butter to chicken curry, Chablis satisfies my palate from the first sip to the last. As luck would have it, I was sent (as samples) four bottles of Chablis in which to indulge.
Photo Credit: chablis-wines.com
A Quick Guide to Chablis
Located in north central France on either side of the river Serein, Chablis is, in my humble opinion, a flawless expression of Chardonnay thanks to its unique terroir. There is no other wine growing region in France that has “pinned its faith more firmly on the facts of geology” according to some. The soil bed of clay, marl, and Kimmeridgian limestone laid down 150 million years ago has a profound impact on the profile of Chablis wines, giving them their signature characteristic of minerality.
Kimmeridgian soil in Chablis
With a climate cooler than the rest of Burgundy, wines of Chablis rarely see oak and are dry and fresh with zesty minerality and mouthwatering acidity.
There are four Chablis appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. The heirarchy of appellations are identified by specific production zones and each is subject to strict regulations. In fact, the higher up the hierarcy, the tighter the restrictions.
Chablis vineyard
Petit Chablis is, for the most part, planted on plateaux found in vineyards of Portlandian soil and nestled on the hillside. The largest of the four appellations in terms of surface area, both planted and limited, is Chablis. Compared to Petit Chablis, wines from this appellation tend to be stronger in structure and offer a rounder mouthfeel and longer lasting finish.
Climat, a traditional Bourgogne word referring to “precisely delimited plots of land that enjoy specific geological and climactic conditions”, is of paramount importance to the region of Chablis. The conditions of the land as well as the talent of the winemaker result in a patchwork quilt of crus. In Chablis, forty-seven climat named vineyards appear on wine labels: forty for Chablis Premier Cru and seven for Chablis Grand Crus. Each climat has rich and unique characteristics depending on the soil and exposure; landscape and hillscape are utilized to the maximum.
Four Wines from Chablis to Discover
Sebastien Christophe Petit Chablis 2021 ($28) offered aromas of bright green apples and the region’s signature minerality. On the crisp, clean palate, notes of lemon shortbread, tart apples, chalk and minerality were absolutely refreshing. This easy drinking wine with its lingering, snappy finish should be enjoyed young. Sip poolside or with light appetizers such as a bountiful French cheese plate or a traditional French omelette.
Vincent Dampf Chablis 2021 ($30) was a fresh, fruit forward Chardonnay that burst with intense aromas and flavors of tangy green apples,melon, lemon curd, florals, herbs and a hint of peppercorn. Enjoy a glass or two as an aperitif with gougères (savory cheese puffs) or during the meal with rabbit, local sausages, fried fish with pommes frites or steamed mussels.
Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2020 ($30) may be your classic pairing with grilled chicken, cheese fondue, mushroom stuffed chicken breast or roasted vegetables. On the nose, I found green apples, wet chalk and minerality then juicy melon, citrus,, white flowers and hints of lemon and lime zest. Bone dry with brilliant acidity, the elegant wine was lush and delicious.
Domaine Pinson Freres LaForet Chablis Premier Cru 2020 ($47) is 100% Chardonnay from over 65 year old vines. Stone fruit, baked lemon, herbs, oyster shell, pears and apple aromas were intense and rich. On the concentrated palate, I noted tropical fruit, baked apple, lemon peel and minerality. All led to a persistent, utterly satisfying finish especially when sipped with freshly cooked lobster dripping in butter…
You’re ready to learn more about Chablis? Play the “Unlock Chablis” game, an exclusive virtual game that transported me to a beautiful vineyard in Bourgogne where I participated in a treasure hunt with secret codes meant to unlock the history, heritage and wines of the region. Enticed? Click here to play!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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