Chablis

Chablis is a famous white wine from northern Burgundy. It is an appellation that is quite large and includes four classifications: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru. The town is located in the Yonne department, on the River Serein. The cool climate and chalky soils give the wine its characteristic flavour. In Chablis, no fat or round wines but fresh, dry and tight Bourgognes.

Petit Chablis and Chablis are often drunk young. The Premier and Grand Cru are better left to mature for a while. These wines have considerable ageing potential anyway. When aged, the wines then show intense minerality (e.g. flint) as well as aromas of lime blossom, dried fruit, almond and hints of honey. The wines are mostly raised on steel tanks. The Premier Cru’s often receive wood maturation as well, and the Grand Cru’s mature entirely on wood. Chablis is made from Chardonnay. The region’s unique terroir – think Kimmeridgien soil – gives the wine its renowned flavour of green apple, citrus and mineral notes. Chablis is praised for its freshness, purity and elegance. The wine is world-famous and has a global market.

Chablis has hundreds of winemakers. The appellation is nearly 6,000 hectares and spans 19 villages. The wines are often still somewhat affordable, especially compared to white wines from the Côte de Beaune. But prices are also rising in Chablis and some wines are extremely sought-after. Consider, for instance, the Chablis of François Raveneau and Vincent Dauvissat.