Chablis AOP
Chablis, a white wine from Burgundy recognisable from all others
Although its name is abused as a synonym for "white wine", particularly by the Anglo-Saxons, Chablis is indeed produced in France, in the Yonne region. This Burgundy village appellation is produced in 17 communes around Chablis, on both sides of the Serein river. Not far from Auxerre, the Chablis vineyard is the domain of Chardonnay, the only grape variety authorised in the 4 AOCs produced here: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru. Thanks to a unique terroir, the wines of Chablis reveal a very marked personality, recognizable among all.
General presentation of Chablis
It is in the Yonne, in the north of the Burgundy vineyard, that the 3,300 hectares of Chablis vineyards are located. This is the origin of the Chablis appellation, the most important in volume compared to Petit Chablis and Chablis Grand Cru.
The Chablis Village appellation also includes 40 Climats classified as Premier Cru and grouped into 17 main denominations, including Montmains, Montée de Tonnerre, Beauroy, Côte de Jouan, les Beauregards...
Only one grape variety is grown in Chablis: Chardonnay. It is this grape that gives its incomparable character to the wines of Chablis, whether they are classified as Village, Premier Cru or Grand Cru.
Characteristics of Chablis
Chablis AOC is a dry white wine very marked by its terroir and its grape variety, Chardonnay. Its colour is pale yellow with emerald or grey highlights. On the nose, the wine can be recognised by its buttery and brioche notes. On tasting, its aromatic palette is marked by a mineral or floral aspect. Flint, gunflint, acacia and violet dominate. Fruity notes such as green apple and grapefruit are also present. As it ages, it becomes spicier and gains notes of undergrowth and mushrooms, such as mousseron.
Chablis can usually be kept for 3 to 5 years or more. Chablis Premier Cru and Grand Cru are great wines for laying down, to be enjoyed between 8 and 15 years for the greatest vintages. Chablis is definitely a great white wine from Burgundy, pleasant to drink, especially as it offers excellent value for money.
How to taste a Chablis
Very fresh and mineral, a Chablis wine is ideal with seafood: oysters, sea urchin, crab, crayfish, etc. This white wine is also perfect with Japanese dishes; it is the perfect accompaniment to raw fish in sushi. Japanese pasta or rice dishes go very well with a Chablis AOC.
Chinese cuisine also goes well with this Burgundy wine, especially sweet and sour vegetables, ravioli soups and tempura shrimp. Other exotic dishes are best served with Chablis: tandoori chicken, lamb curry, spicy chicken...
Finally, Chablis wines go well with traditional dishes of the region, such as Burgundy snails, hot ham à la Chablisienne or andouillette. They also accompany meats in a creamy sauce, such as blanquette de veau, capon or Bresse chicken in cream sauce.
Many cheeses can be enjoyed with a glass of Chablis: dry goat's cheeses, Comté, Beaufort, mature cheddar, Emmental, to name but a few.
Finally, served chilled at 10-11°, a Chablis is excellent as an aperitif.
Laissez-vous tenter... par les autres appellations !
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