Chablis

Chablis is Burgundy’s white wine outpost and is one of France’s most northern wine regions. Having said this it comes with no surprise that it produces wines that are high in acidity and rather steely, unlike the luscious and oaky white wines from the rest of Burgundy. They are perfectly refreshing and a well-loved style of wine around the world, that very few wine regions can produce. The town Chablis lies in the valley of the River Serein, surrounded by hills. In this valley the soils have a very important effect on the wines, it brings the characteristic steeliness to the wine. The best sites are overlaid with Kimmeridgian clay which contains rich marine fossils. Chablis is split in to four distinct quality levels. Petit Chablis is the area around the outskirts of Chablis proper that was undertaken when the Chablis growers found they could not cope with international demand. Most of the wines produce around the beautiful little village of Chablis will qualify to the straightforward Chablis appellation. Wine from both of the aforementioned appellations should be drunk young. About a quarter of the total Chablis production is from the Chablis Premier Cru appellation which has some of the most reliable buys. The very best vineyards are situated on the west-facing hill just above the village and the wine produced are classified as Chablis Grand Cru.