Chablis
Chablis is the “Golden Gate” of Burgundy. This sleepy village does not look the part of the world’s most famous wine town. Located a mere two-hour drive from Paris, it is one of the most northern wine-producing areas in all of France. Chardonnay is the only grape allowed here, and it thrives in the limestone to create distinctive white wines that some feel are unmatched anywhere else in the world. This Chardonnay clearly speaks for itself, with little to no oak aging and displaying mineral and stone flavors with hints of flint in the aromas. In its youth, it appears to have a greenish hint to its color.
The wines from Chablis are classified as in the rest of Burgundy. There is a small quantity of Grand Cru Chablis produced, yet with such little production, these whites are not easily obtainable and are quite expensive. Just below the Grands Crus whites are the much more affordable and exquisite Premier Crus Chablis. There are 40 vineyards entitled to the Premier Cru status. The most prestigious of these are Vaillons, Montmain, Fourchaume and Vaulorent. The tier immediately below Premier Cru Chablis contains the crisp and flavorful Chardonnays labeled, simply, Chablis. These generic Chablis are the backbone of the region and are mostly exported.
Chablis is produced in a very crisp format with little to no oak influence. The flinty aroma is apparent in most Chablis, and the flavors of apple, pear, mineral and steel race across the palate with a wonderfully refreshing finish. The Wines of Petit Chablis are mostly grown at higher altitudes on mixed limestone soils. Petit Chablis is a pleasant wine with a fragrant bouquet. It is best enjoyed when young and is not a good candidate for added cellaring beyond its release from the winery.
Style: Crisp, apple, pear, mineral
Location: Situated 111 miles from Paris and about 50 miles northwest of the Côte d’Or, the vineyards area is 10 miles long and four miles wide
Acres Under Vine: 5,500; 100% Chardonnay, 246 acres of Grand Cru, 1,482 acres of Premier Cru and 3,772 acres of village wines
Grand Cru: A total of seven
Burgundy system of producers
In Burgundy, a vineyard may be split among a number of owners, each producing his individual wine. Burgundy is dominated by many small growers who either sell their grapes to a négoçiant to be blended and labeled with the négoçiant’s name, or estate bottle the wine themselves using their own name on the label. Both negociants and estate-bottled producers can make excellent Burgundy, as long as the proper care and attention is given to making the best possible wine. The producers selected by our wine buying team are true to the quality distinctions and traditions of the regions of Burgundy and will provide you with countless opportunities to enjoy the pleasures of Burgundy.
