Error!

Far from the sea, the Chablis vineyard is known for its white dry wines that go so well with seafood and shellfish. They stand out for their freshness, their finesse, their purity and their minerality.

The unique personality of the Chablis wines takes its roots is the sedimentary sub-soil aged about 150 million years. It's on this very terroir that the unique grape variety of the designation, the chardonnay, flourishes in a climate with mild temperatures.

It can be recognized with its very light yellow colour. The Chablis offers flinty notes - heritage of its thousand-year-old soil? - and citrus notes such as lemon and grapefruit. When tasting, one can notice vivid aromas, that also let the palate with a taste of gunflint or mushroom. The taste and the olfactory palette are unbeatable.

Filtrer

Price

€10.00 - €60.00

Type

Color

Vintage

Viticulture method

Food and wine

Variety

Medal awards

Volume

Alcohol content

Storage

CHABLIS

CHABLIS

DOMAINE DU CHARDONNAY Bourgogne
€19.80
Cuvée B&B

Cuvée B&B

Château de Viviers Bourgogne
€30.00

Chablis: Everything You Need to Know About the Wines of This Appellation

Who has not been charmed by the elegance and complexity of a good bottle of Chablis? Among the most prestigious and renowned white wines in the world, the Chablis appellation benefits from a unique terroir that imparts it with inimitable characteristics. Located in the northern part of Burgundy, this appellation produces dry white wines made from Chardonnay, known for their freshness, minerality, and finesse. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the history, terroir, and grape variety of Chablis wines. Follow our tips for pairing dishes with a bottle of AOC Chablis white wine.

What Is the History of the Chablis Vineyard?

The Chablis appellation is located in northern Burgundy, halfway between Paris and Dijon. The first traces of viticulture in this region date back to the Gallo-Roman era. However, it was the Cistercian monks of the Pontigny Abbey in the 12th century who truly developed the vineyard and established the reputation of Chablis wines. Over the centuries, the fame of Chablis wines has crossed borders and captivated wine lovers around the world. Despite the devastation caused by phylloxera at the end of the 19th century and the economic difficulties of the early 20th century, the Chablis vineyard managed to rise from its ashes thanks to the determination of local winemakers. In 1938, the Chablis Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) was officially recognized, protecting and highlighting this exceptional terroir, now considered one of the most respected white wine appellations in the world.

Climate and Terroir of the Chablis Appellation

  • Climate: The Chablis appellation has a semi-continental climate with oceanic influences. Winters are cold and harsh, while summers are warm and sunny. Spring frosts are common and pose a major challenge for winemakers. However, these climatic conditions contribute to the freshness and characteristic acidity of Chablis wines.
  • Soils: The Chablis terroir is unique and distinguished by its Kimmeridgian soils, composed of limestone and clay marls rich in marine fossils. This type of soil gives Chablis wines their characteristic minerality and purity. The best plots, called "climats" in Burgundy, are located on well-exposed slopes where Chardonnay thrives.

The Different Appellations of Chablis

The Chablis appellation is divided into four levels of classification, reflecting the quality and typicity of the terroirs:

  • Petit Chablis: Situated on Portlandian soils, Petit Chablis plots produce fresh and light wines meant to be enjoyed young. They offer aromas of fruit and flowers with lively acidity.
  • Chablis: Chablis wines come from Kimmeridgian soils and are more complex than Petit Chablis. These are elegant, balanced dry white wines, perfect for pairing with seafood and fish.
  • Chablis Premier Cru: Chablis Premier Cru wines come from specific plots with exceptional exposures and soils. They are richer and more complex than classic Chablis, with varied aromatic palettes and significant aging potential.
  • Chablis Grand Cru: Chablis Grand Cru wines are the jewels of the appellation, coming from the best "climats" on the right bank of the Serein River. These wines are powerful, complex, and very refined. They develop subtle aromas and unique depth, capable of aging for several decades.

Chardonnay: The Grape Variety of the Chablis Appellation

Like many Burgundy appellations, Chablis exclusively produces dry white wines made from a single variety: Chardonnay. This noble and versatile grape variety is perfectly suited to the climatic and soil conditions of Chablis. It expresses all its finesse and complexity here, resulting in wines of great purity and unparalleled elegance. Chablis Chardonnay is distinguished by its freshness, minerality, and subtle aromas of white flowers, citrus, and white-fleshed fruits. Depending on the plot, the estate, and the winemaking methods, the wines may also reveal notes of dried fruit, butter, brioche, and flint.

What Is the Style of Chablis Wines?

Appearance: Light yellow with green reflections, leaning towards golden depending on the cru.

Nose: Chablis white wine offers delicate and complex aromas of white flowers, white-fleshed fruits (apple, pear), and citrus (lemon, grapefruit). Mineral notes of flint, oyster shell, and sometimes silex blend with hints of fresh butter and brioche when the wine is aged in oak.

Palate: Chablis white wines are dry and sharp, with marked acidity giving them great freshness. The fruit and mineral flavors linger, providing an elegant texture and a persistent finish. The best crus can develop more complex aromas and a fuller structure over time.

Serving temperature: Ideally between 10 and 12°C to preserve their freshness and liveliness.

Aging potential: AOC Petit Chablis and AOC Chablis are enjoyed within 3 to 5 years. AOC Chablis Premier Cru and AOC Chablis Grand Cru white wines can age up to 20 years or more (depending on the estate and vintage).

Best Food Pairings with Chablis

Here are some dish ideas to pair with a dry white wine from an AOC Chablis estate or château:

  • Oysters and seafood (Petit Chablis)
  • Sole meunière
  • Veal Marengo (Chablis Premier Cru or Grand Cru)
  • Sushi, maki, and sashimi
  • Rabbit with mushrooms (Chablis 1er cru)
  • Smoked eel
  • Truffle chicken (Chablis Grand Cru)

This article has made you want to taste a Chablis? On Avenue des Vins, we offer a wide selection of wines directly from the best estates or the château of your choice. Whether you are looking for an AOC Petit Chablis for an aperitif, an AOC Chablis for a seafood platter, an AOC Chablis Premier Cru for a gourmet meal, or an AOC Chablis Grand Cru for a special occasion, we have the bottle you need! Discover our wines at the best value for money with home delivery today.