CHABLIS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ITS WHITE WINES!

Chablis: A Legendary Wine Region

Chablis is one of the most famous and recognized wine regions in the world and one of the key places of origin for the versatile Chardonnay, which, as you very well know, is a variety highly loved and widespread across the globe. It belongs to the Yonne Department of Burgundy and is traversed by the Serein River, located in the northern part of the region. While it is slightly overshadowed geographically by the rest of the famous wine cluster, it stands there proudly, shining with its unique terroir and incredibly elegant and high-quality wines.

The Grape Varieties of Chablis
The overwhelming majority of the vineyards exclusively feature the Chardonnay variety, which accounts for all the wines produced in the region.

• Chardonnay: makes up 98-99% of the vineyards and thrives in the colder temperatures of the region. Combined with the unique soil, it produces wines with distinctive freshness, minerality, and high acidity. The variety is rarely listed on labels, as the region itself serves as a certification of distinction and quality!

Fun fact: In Chablis, it is also called "Beaunois," creating a wordplay because, even though the variety produces more intriguing and impressive results there, all roads eventually lead to Burgundy and the common family of Chardonnay wines from the wider Beaune region!

• Pinot Noir: could almost be left unmentioned, as it is a minority, but it is included simply so you won't wonder about the remaining 1-2%!

A Brief Historical Overview
The history begins, of course, with the Romans, who immediately recognized the unique land and climate of the region and began cultivating vineyards. In the Middle Ages, the Cistercian monks strengthened the care of the vines and the production of wine, playing a significant role in its spread. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it spread throughout the rest of France and to England, entering the circle of kings and aristocrats, and from there, its fame soared. However, in the 19th century, phylloxera arrived, devastating the famous vineyards with the deadly pest. World War I and II left their marks on the region as well, as the remaining workforce was minimal to continue cultivation. However, the locals did not give up, and with perseverance, they managed to revive the region. Yet, the frost of 1957 destroyed the crops once again. The definitive recovery finally came in 1970, with a rich harvest that made history and marked the return of wealth to Chablis!

The Unique Soil and Climate of Chablis
Chablis may belong to the broader Chardonnay family of Burgundy, but what makes it different is its unique terroir. This is the combination of environmental factors that strongly influence and differentiate the taste profile of its wines!

• Climate: In Chablis, temperatures are much lower year-round compared to other Burgundy regions. This is generally very beneficial, as it leads to the slow ripening of the Chardonnay grapes, preserving their natural acidity and giving them an intense freshness. However, there is always the risk of frost, even in spring when the buds emerge. Vineyard owners have devised intricate methods of protection, from fans that circulate the air to "break" the frost to heaters and fires within the vineyard to raise the temperature. This certainly contributes to their fame and price!
• Soil: This is the most important factor and the main reason why Chablis wines are so unique that you'd recognize them even in a blind tasting! During the time of the dinosaurs (literally), the entire region was a vast shallow sea. Over millions of years, the sea retreated, leaving behind shells, marine fossils, and limestone, which compressed and formed the characteristic clay-limestone soil, the famous Kimmeridgian soil, which defines the profile of Chablis wines, giving them a mineral and rocky character with distinct notes of wet stone and chalk!

The Classification of Chablis Vineyards and Wines
Due to the above factors, Chablis has a large number of vineyard classifications compared to the rest of Burgundy and all wine regions worldwide. The vineyards were classified in the 20th century, and in 1938, they were officially recognized with the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). Based on their exact location, they are divided into four categories. What's remarkable is that two vineyards, just a few meters apart, may have such different soils and climates that they significantly impact the quality of their wines!

• Petit Chablis (19%): This category includes vineyards located in the plains around the river and on colder slopes. The characteristic Kimmeridgian soil is rare here. The wines are lively, with more green fruit and very crisp acidity. These are wines you can drink every day and are consumed relatively early!
• Chablis (66%): This is the primary and largest classification in the region. The vineyards are located in the wider area around the Serein River. The main feature of all is the Kimmeridgian soil, which provides excellent raw material. The wine style varies depending on sun exposure, drainage, wind, and the winemaker's approach. However, all wines have crisp acidity, lemony freshness, green fruit, particular elegance, and distinctive minerality!
• Premier Cru (around 14%): Here, we move up a notch to the 40 different vineyard plots with optimal orientation and soil, located in the best locations on both sides of the Serein. The wines have a fuller and more concentrated body with characteristic minerality, while the chalky aromas make them desirable and reward anyone who forgets them in the bottle for a few years. The vineyard's name is usually indicated on the label unless it is a blend of multiple ones. Notable names include Fourchaume, Montmains, Vaillons, Vosgros.
• Grand Cru: The highest distinction for vineyards, and it is extremely rare for such a small area to have 7 entire vineyard plots of such high quality! They are all located on a continuous slope above Chablis, with the best possible orientation, perfect subsoil, and drainage, leading to the pinnacle of wine quality. The label always mentions the vineyard name, and the wines have body, length, complexity, rich taste, pure acidity, and exemplary minerality. Although all are in the same topographical location, they have very different characteristics and can rightfully take their place in your cellar for at least 10-15 years. And this is the Chablis Grand Cru effect!

Fun fact: While there are 7 widely known Grand Cru Chablis vineyards, there is actually a very small vineyard that was granted Grand Cru status by the French government in 1945. However, this distinction was never officially published, which means it’s not formally recognized anywhere! Today, it is exclusively owned by Albert Bichot, and the wine is produced solely at Domaine Long-Depaquit, which is why it’s referred to as a Monopole!

The Ultimate Gastronomic Wines
Chablis wines are primarily vinified in stainless steel tanks, as they do not require extra embellishments, since their terroir gives them everything! However, some winemakers use barrels to add more intensity and complexity. The diversity of Chablis wines has built an unparalleled fortress of quality around them, and fortunately, there is always a Chablis for everyone and (again fortunately) in a wide range of prices. Correspondingly, food pairings are endless. From goat cheeses, poultry with white sauces, and snail recipes to sausages and beef. However, if you want to experience a unique gastronomic journey and taste its ultimate seaside dimension, you must try a Chablis with shellfish and raw fish dishes!

The above certainly didn't take 5 minutes to read, but at least now you know everything!

Christina Tsogka