Chablis
Located a short drive south from Paris in the department of the Yonne, Chablis is the northernmost region of Burgundy; in fact it’s closer to Champagne geographically than it is to the rest of Burgundy which lies 150k to the south. Chardonnay is the only permitted grape variety here. Unlike other Chardonnay wines, Chablis rarely uses oak-aging, resulting in a very different style and taste profile. It’s because of Chablis’ renown, that the unoaked Chardonnay style is popular worldwide. In fact, one of the most desirable traits in quality Chablis is a long, tingly finish of high acidity and flint-like minerality. Much of the lean and elegant taste of Chardonnay from Chablis is attributed to the qualities of the soil, climate, and traditions of the region. At its best Chablis is so distinctive that it’s impossible to mistake it for anything else. The cool climate makes the vines susceptible to frost and they are characteristically trained low to the ground for warmth. Vintage is important here because of the extreme variability of climate. The soil is chalky clay filled with fossilised oyster shells – giving Chablis its highly mineral, bone dry character. The area is only 15 km by 20km, planted in nearly 5000 hectares of grapes covering the four Chablis appellations: • Grand Cru Chablis • Premier Cru Chablis • Chablis • Petit Chablis
