AOC Petit Chablis

Petit Chablis is a dry, crisp white wine made only from Chardonnay and recognized as an AOC in 1944. It all goes back to court rulings in 1923, which kept the Chablis name for Kimmeridgian soils; Chardonnay grown outside them became Petit Chablis. Today the vineyard covers about 1,250 hectares (3,090 acres).

Union, Courts, Decree: How Petit Chablis Became an AOC

In the early 20th century, the Chablis name was being usurped. To defend it, the growers of the Chablis area founded their first union in 1908. The name Petit Chablis was already in use by then.

The courts then drew the line. In 1923, rulings reserved the Chablis name for Kimmeridgian plots; Chardonnay from the neighboring land took the name Petit Chablis.

Today its vines grow mostly on the limestone plateaus, but also, in places, on slopes of Cretaceous clay and at the foot of the hillsides. These sites let the grapes ripen at a measured pace, so they keep the acidity behind the wine’s liveliness.

A decree of January 5, 1944, made Petit Chablis a full-fledged AOC. The vineyard has grown markedly since: it gained some 400 hectares (about 990 acres) between 2009 and 2022.

History of the AOC Petit Chablis Appellation

Nestled in the famous Chablis vineyard in northern Burgundy, the AOC Petit Chablis is an entry point into the renowned world of Chablis wines. Established in 1944, this appellation has brilliantly maintained its identity, emerging from the shadow of the prestigious Chablis Grand Cru to offer wines with unique characteristics, marked by freshness and an excellent quality-price ratio.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Petit Chablis Appellation

Climate: The climate of Chablis is oceanic with continental influences, with cold winters and hot summers. This temperature range provides the Petit Chablis vines with a slow and steady maturation cycle, favorable to the cultivation of its flagship grape variety: Chardonnay.

Soils: Unlike the Kimmeridgian limestone layers typical of other Chablis appellations, the soils of Petit Chablis are characterized by Portlandian limestone, a younger calcareous layer, contributing to the unique aromatic profile of the wines from this appellation.

Chardonnay: The Emblematic Grape Variety of the AOC Petit Chablis

Chardonnay, the white king grape of Burgundy, is the sole grape variety of the AOC Petit Chablis. In this northern Burgundy terroir, Chardonnay expresses itself with particular vivacity and lightness. It provides the dry white wine of AOC Petit Chablis with floral and fruity notes, combining freshness and minerality.

Wine Style of AOC Petit Chablis

Appearance: Clear robe, often pale gold with light gold reflections.

Nose: Expressions of white flowers, citrus (lemon), and sometimes mineral notes (gunflint).

Palate: A lively and fresh attack, followed by a light body and a refreshing mineral finish.

Serving Temperature: 10°-12°C

Aging Potential: Although mostly enjoyed in their youth for their freshness, some Petit Chablis can surprise with their ability to evolve harmoniously over 2 to 3 years.

The Best Food and Wine Pairings with AOC Petit Chablis

Here are some suggestions to enhance your tasting experience with a dry white wine from a domain or château in AOC Petit Chablis:

• Seafood: Oysters, sea urchins, mussels
• Andouillettes AAAAA
• Burgundy Snails
• Fresh Goat Cheese or Soft Cheeses
• Alone as an Aperitif

Petit Chablis: Frost, Presses and Beaunois

When does frost threaten Petit Chablis vineyards?

Frost threatens Petit Chablis vineyards in winter and again in spring, when a frost can destroy the young buds. Steep-sided valleys heighten the risk, while the plateaus stay exposed to icy winter winds. Chablis growers have developed ways to fight frost.

What does Petit Chablis ban in the winery?

Petit Chablis bans continuous presses, which press the harvest without a break. Pieces of wood, such as oak chips, are also banned from the making of its wines.

What does “beaunois” mean in Chablis?

In Chablis, growers call Chardonnay “beaunois”; it is the only grape in Petit Chablis. The word already appears in the 1920s court rulings that drew the line between the Chablis and Petit Chablis names.

Where can you buy Petit Chablis direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Petit Chablis, sold by the producer, on Avenue des Vins. Each wine’s page lists the vintage and the bottle size.

See also: AOC Chablis - AOC Chablis Premier Cru - AOC Bourgogne Aligoté