AOC Chablis Premier Cru

A Chablis Premier Cru is a Chablis from the appellation’s classified climats, made to standards specific to this designation. The words “Premier Cru” complete the AOC Chablis name rather than forming a separate appellation. These climats sit on the most favorably exposed slopes of the vineyard, on either side of the Serein River.

A History Going Back to the Middle Ages

The historic climats, documented as early as the Middle Ages, lie on the right bank of the Serein. The left bank holds climats that came to light more recently. All of them are precisely mapped and spread across the large “côtes,” or hillsides, shaped by the area’s intricate relief.

On the right bank, Premier Cru vineyards reach beyond the village of Chablis to Fleys, with Les Fourneaux, Morein or Côte des Prés-Girots, and to Fontenay-près-Chablis, with Côte de Fontenay. On the left bank, they are found in villages such as Beine and Courgis. The 40 classified climats can be grouped under 17 names.

What the Appellation Requires of a Premier Cru

Wines labeled Premier Cru come only from a separate production area, mapped plot by plot and approved on January 31, 1978, by INAO, France’s appellation authority. In the vineyard, the crop load is capped at an average of 10,000 kilograms per hectare (about 8,900 pounds per acre) per plot, against 10,500 for Chablis.

One limit is looser: after enrichment, a Premier Cru may reach 13.5% alcohol, against 13% for Chablis. It also meets the requirements of the whole appellation: no irrigation, no continuous presses and no oak chips.

The designation sets apart wines from the most favored sites, which earned their own reputation over time. A Premier Cru label may also add “Vin de Bourgogne” or “Grand Vin de Bourgogne,” a term the appellation does not provide for plain Chablis.

Fruitier or More Mineral, Depending on the Climat

Depending on where the grapes grow, a Chablis Premier Cru can be fruitier or, on the contrary, more mineral. These differences reflect the wide range of soils and local growing conditions from one slope to the next. The wines also respond strongly to each vintage.

The soils are always calcareous. Thin and very stony over limestone, they hold more clay on the marl slopes. In places, a layer of scree covers the impermeable marl, draining water and warming up well.

Small valleys, often dry, cut into the hillsides and give them varied aspects. Vines only take the most favorably exposed slopes, along the flanks of the Serein valley and its side valleys.

Chablis Premier Cru: Your Questions

How can you spot a Chablis Premier Cru on the label?

A Chablis Premier Cru label reads “Chablis Premier Cru,” with or without the name of a climat. It may also show “Chablis” followed directly by the climat, as in “Chablis Côte de Léchet,” which is still a Premier Cru. The climat name comes right after the appellation name, in letters no larger than it.

What is the maximum yield for Chablis Premier Cru?

Chablis Premier Cru yields are capped at 58 hectoliters per hectare (about 620 US gallons per acre), with an absolute ceiling of 73 hectoliters per hectare. For Chablis, these figures rise to 60 and 75 hectoliters. At 58 hectoliters, one hectare gives about 7,700 standard 750 ml bottles.

What is taille Chablis pruning?

Taille Chablis is the traditional cane-pruning method of the Chablis vineyard. It suits the area’s difficult growing conditions and keeps production steady and moderate. Growers also use single or double Guyot and spur-pruned cordon de Royat. As a rule, each vine carries no more than 14 buds.

Where can you buy Chablis Premier Cru direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Chablis Premier Cru direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Every wine’s page shows its appellation and region.

See also: AOC Chablis - AOC Petit Chablis - AOC Meursault