Located near Auxerre and isolated from the rest of the Burgundy vineyard, the Chablis appellation nevertheless enjoys a very strong reputation, both in France and abroad. It is also the second largest of the communal appellations in France in terms of area, behind Saint-Émilion and ahead of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. But what are the origins of the Chablis vineyard? What is the one and only grape variety of the appellation? What is the difference between Chablis and Petit Chablis? What can you expect in tasting? What to pair with a glass of Chablis? You will find all the answers to your questions thanks to this article. Bon voyage to the land of Chardonnay! (and oops...I have already spoiled)
Chablis: a millennial history
In 1114, the Cistercian monk Hugues de Mâcon founded a second abbey in Pontigny, north of Chablis. This abbey received vineyards as a donation so that it could also ensure a religious service.
From the 15th century, Chablis wines began to be exported in France. It is also the time when they appeared on royal tables.
The vineyard continued its development until the terrible phylloxera crisis, the insect that devastated the French and European vineyards at the end of the 19th century.Then, if the first half of the 20th century is marked by the official creation of the Chablis AOC (1938) , it is especially the two world wars that will impact vine cultivation, reducing the Chablis vineyard to only 550 hectares in 1955.
The hard work of the winemakers will gradually restore the region's viticultural splendor, mainly from the 1970s, a decade during which Chablis will begin to experience significant qualitative and quantitative growth.
Today, the Chablis vineyard covers more than 5,800 hectares and represents 20% of Burgundy wine production, a spectacular increase! Furthermore, the appellation shines not only in France but also (and especially) abroad. It exports indeed more than 65% of its wines, with the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada as its main clients.
Terroir, climate, and grape variety of the AOC Chablis
Located at the very north of Burgundy, Chablis is situated on an ancient ocean that left behind numerous sediments. Indeed, 150 million years ago, the lands of the region were covered with water.Today, in the vineyard, we find a large number of marine fossils from the Kimmeridgian era, making Chablis a vineyard with a typically clay-limestone terroir. From a climate perspective, the region is characterized as semi-continental and is therefore marked by long, cold winters and hot summers. A certain oceanic influence (humidity and precipitation) is also present. Finally, the only grape used here is the Chardonnay.You will have understood, in Chablis, only white wine is produced! This grape variety, the second most planted in France in its color, adapts wonderfully well to this terroir and climate, producing wines that evoke finesse, purity, and minerality.
Limestone sample from Chablis with fossils
Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru
So, how is the Chablis vineyard composed? Well, it's quite simple, there are 4 appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. These climates (or plots) are categorized this way based on the quality of their terroir.Here are the distinctions to remember.
AOC Petit Chablis & Chablis
Representing 19% of Chablis production, the AOC Petit Chablis evolves in the same appellation area as Chablis (66% of the production).
But then, why "Petit" Chablis? Well, quite simply because the vineyard plots of the appellation are oriented to the North and in the past, these lands were perceived as of lesser quality because they received less sunlight throughout the year, thus not favoring the ripening of the grapes. Consequently, the wines produced on these plots are more lively and tense than average.
This is still the case today, but be careful not to make generalizations! With climate change, the cards have indeed been reshuffled in recent years. Indeed, the Petit Chablis designation is capable of producing excellent wines, sometimes rivaling certain Chablis.
AOC Chablis Premier Cru & Chablis Grand Cru
At the top of the hierarchy, we find the plots classified as Chablis Premier Cru (14% of the production) and Chablis Grand Cru (the top 1% of the production). These are the most noble terroirs of the region, where the best wines are produced thanks to sunny exposures that promote good ripeness.
Today, there are 17 flagship climates classified as Premier Cru in the Chablis region, with the most renowned plots being Montée de Tonnerre, Fourchaume, Vaillons, and Montmains.
Finally, there are 7 Grands Crus: Vaudésir, Grenouilles, Les Clos, Blanchot, Bougros, Preuses, and Valmur. These climates, producing the quintessence of the wines of the appellation, are located exclusively on the right bank of the Serein, a small river crossing the village of Chablis, and are the best-exposed in the vineyard.
Tasting and Pairing of Chablis Wines
With such a diversity of plots, Chablis is capable of offering all possible nuances of Chardonnay. To help you better categorize the different wines of the vineyard according to their appellation, here are the main markers to remember.However, be aware that these characteristics are generalities! Consequently, thousands of nuances exist among wines of the same appellation, and many factors must be taken into account, such as the terroir, the vintage effect, or even the vinification carried out by the estate (stainless steel tank, large casks, oak barrels, etc.).
- Petit Chablis: wine offering a great tension on the palate and expressing notes of citrus, green apple, white flowers, as well as a beautiful minerality.
- Chablis : while the tension and minerality are always present, there is generally a slightly richer profile than Petit Chablis. Notes of citrus, green apple, peach, and pear are detected on the palate.
- Chablis Premier Cru : the acidity begins to mellow here and one enjoys a more indulgent texture. Notes of citrus, peach, pear, and butter appear. A cellaring potential of 5 to 10 years is generally possible.
- Chablis Grand Cru : the fruit notes here are very ripe, evoking peach and apricot.Moreover, the material is enveloping and the aging potential can be impressive. Nevertheless, the minerality and the Chablis freshness never completely disappear, much to our delight!
From a food and wine pairing perspective, the characteristics of Chablis wines allow them to ideally adapt to numerous situations. Petit Chablis and Chablis, for example, can stand on their own during an aperitif but can also pair well during a meal with summer salads, seafood, fish, fresh goat cheese, young Comté, or even Saint-Nectaire.
Thanks to their aromatic richness, Chablis Premier Cru and Grand Cru are best enjoyed during the meal. These can be paired similarly to a classic Chablis, although they can complement dishes with more intense flavors.
From a serving temperature perspective, Petit Chablis and Chablis are ideally enjoyed between 8-10°C , while Premiers and Grands Crus reveal their flavors best when served between 10-13°C.
What are the best Chablis ?
While it is complex to provide an exhaustive list of the best Chablis,
- Domaine Garnier & Fils - Chablis
- Domaine Garnier & Fils - Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu
- Domaine Garnier & Fils - Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
You are now fully prepared to engage with the Chablis vineyard!All that remains is to succumb to the delightful minerality of the region's wines. And above all, do not hesitate to contact
