Chablis got a bad rap when its name was plastered on large jug wines in the 1980's and 90's. Luckily, the wine in those jugs has nothing in common with the actual region. Wines produced in Chablis are some of the most unique in the world. Typical descriptors of a classic Chablis include a greenish tinge on the wine, minerality and crisp acidity balanced by a round mouthfeel. Chablis is a perfect match to any fish or shellfish dish.
Notable Facts
The northernmost region of
Burgundy, Chablis' location is closer to Champagne than its Burgundian neighbor, Cote d'Or. This northern proximity gives Chablis a cool, continental climate. The soil is a limestone base, and in the best vineyard sites that limestone is covered with Kimmeridgian clay, a material that is very high in marine fossils. The climate, paired with these distinctive soils, makes the area particularly suited for
Chardonnay - the almost exclusive white grape of the area.
Those who claim not to like Chardonnay will be pleasantly surprised by the uniqueness of Chablis. The winemakers of the region almost always stick to stainless steel for fermentation, and many use no oak at all. If oak-aged, the wine will only be in large French oak barrels, which give the wines flavors that are a far cry from your typical California Chardonnay.
