AOC Chablis: The Pure, Mineral White Wines of Burgundy

The Chablis wine district, located in the northernmost part of Burgundy, is renowned for producing 100% Chardonnay white wines that are known for their purity, crispness, and mineral qualities. With high acidity and distinctive flinty characteristics, Chablis wines are celebrated for their elegance and complexity. The Kimmeridgian soil, rich in fossilized oyster shells, imparts a unique saline and chalky minerality to the wine, making it one of the most distinctive expressions of Chardonnay in the world.

Chablis Appellation System

Chablis is structured into four main classifications:

• Petit Chablis
• Chablis
• Chablis Premier Cru
• Chablis Grand Cru

Each of these categories represents varying levels of quality, with Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines offering the highest caliber expressions of Chablis.

Chablis Grand Cru

There are only seven Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis, each producing wines with incredible depth and aging potential. Among the most prestigious, these vineyards are located on the filet mignon of Chablis' terrain.

• Les Clos (61.1 acres): The most famous Grand Cru, Les Clos is known for its superb acidity, depth, and richness, yet it stands out for its mineral-like precision and complex flavors. Often capable of aging for 15-20 years, Les Clos offers apple, honey, and spice notes as it matures.

• Blanchot (30.1 acres): Located southeast of the other Grands Crus, Blanchot is recognized for producing some of the most delicate, perfumed, and stylish wines among the Grand Crus. The wines from Blanchot have a fine balance of floral aromas and mineral complexity.

Chablis Premier Cru

Chablis also features 40 Premier Cru vineyards that produce wines with vibrant fruit flavors, fresh acidity, and subtle minerality. These wines offer an excellent introduction to Chablis' unique characteristics at a more accessible price point.

Vintage Considerations

Chablis is a region where vintage variations play a crucial role in the quality of the wines. In good vintages, Chablis can be magical: pale straw in color with hints of green, transforming into light gold with age. These wines are typically bone dry, medium-bodied, with lively acidity and concentrated aromas of apple and minerality that linger long after you swallow. In less favorable years, the wines may lack the concentration and freshness that Chablis is known for, so it's essential to pay attention to vintage reports.

Food Pairing

Chablis wines are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a range of dishes, particularly seafood and shellfish. Their crisp acidity makes them a perfect match for oysters, crab, lobster, and goat cheese, enhancing the delicate flavors of these dishes.