Even if you don't know much about wine brands, you've probably heard the name "Chablis" at least once. What is Chablis? We will introduce you to the basics of Chablis that you may not be familiar with, as well as recommended Chablis.

What is Chablis?

Chablis is a dry white wine produced in the village of Chablis, located in the northernmost part of the Burgundy region of France.

It is important to note that Chablis is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. We do not blend grape varieties other than Chardonnay. Also, there is no such thing as red wine.

Chablis wine taste

Chardonnay is a grape variety that originates from the Burgundy region and is widely grown around the world. Additionally, the taste varies greatly depending on the region of origin. Chardonnay exhibits the unique taste of each region, but the reason Chablis is famous all over the world is because the taste of the Chardonnay produced in the village of Chablis is unique.

Chablis has a sharp acidity and a rich minerality. This acidity and minerality are the most distinctive characteristics of Chablis, and the secret lies in the climate and soil of this region.

Chablis climate and soil

The village of Chablis has a high latitude and a cool climate. Therefore, the wine made from Chardonnay grown in the village of Chablis has a rich acidity.

In addition, the soil of Chablis village is said to have a history of 150 million years. During the dinosaur era, this land was under the sea. Then, that stratum rose up and became soil mixed with fossils such as oysters and shells.

This soil is called Kimmeridgian soil. It is a rare place where fossils can still be found in the calcareous soil. Chardonnay wine grown in such soil is rich in minerals.

Chablis grading

Chablis has a wide range of prices, from cheap to expensive. It depends on the rating.

Chablis is certified by the AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin), the highest level of French wine law. This is then further classified into four ranks, starting from the top: ``Chablis Grand Cru,'' ``Chablis Premier Cru,'' ``Chablis,'' and ``Petit Chablis.''

Chablis Grand Cru (special grade)

Grand Cru is the highest quality Chablis made from grapes from seven special vineyards in the village of Chablis. The area is only 2% of the total area of ​​Chablis, making it an extremely rare and valuable wine. The sunniest location in Chablis allows the grapes to ripen easily, producing complex and elegant wines. Although it is a white wine, it has a quality that can be aged for more than 10 years, and as it ages, it develops a mellow and deep flavor.

The seven plots are Bougueres, Preuze, Vaudésir, Grenouille, Valmur, Les Clos and Blanchot.

Chablis Premier Cru (first grade)

Premier Cru is Chablis produced in first-class vineyards ranked below special-grade vineyards. The Kimmeridgian soil is similar to that of the Grand Crus, and the vineyard is divided into 40 climats (plotted fields). Because the locations are scattered, the taste varies depending on the local climate, and you can enjoy the charm of each region's terroir.

Typical divisions are Fourchaume, Mont de Tonelle, Mont de Milieu and Voloran.

chablis

It is the most produced Chablis wine, accounting for approximately 65% ​​of all Chablis. This is a fresh wine with a clean taste that can be drunk immediately without aging. Most of the Chablis you see in Japan have this "Chablis" rank, and it can be said that it is the most popular Chablis. The price is reasonable and you can enjoy it easily.

Petit Chablis

Chablis is the most reasonably priced wine to drink, and like the "Chablis" rank, it is a fresh type of wine that can be drunk immediately after purchase. Most of the Petit Chablis region is not Kimmeridgian, resulting in a lighter, lighter flavor.

Dishes that go well with Chablis

oyster

It is often said that "Chablis goes well with raw oysters!" As its reputation suggests, it goes very well with raw oysters. That's because the wine is made in soil with oyster fossils. It is also said that in the past, Chablis' strong acidity helped eliminate the fishy smell of oysters.

Oysters don't have to be raw or can be fried in butter and go well with Chablis.

Seafood dishes

White fish meuniere, smoked salmon, and shrimp dishes are perfect for Chablis. The flavor of seafood and the refreshing Chablis create a happy marriage.

Japanese food

Chablis goes well with Japanese dishes such as sashimi, grilled fish, steamed clams, and tempura. The taste of Japanese food that brings out the flavors of the ingredients goes well with the refreshing Chablis, and you are sure to enjoy both the food and the wine.

4 recommended Chablis selections

Here we will introduce recommended Chablis by rank. You can choose based on your budget, taste, or food pairing. Because Chablis is so diverse, the wine you choose will enrich your dining experience.

Domaine Christian Moreau/Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos

The Moreau family's winemaking process begins with the négociant "J. Moreau et Fils" founded in 1814. Domaine Christian Moreau is a domaine founded by Christian Moreau in 2002. Since 2008, we have been using biologic farming methods to produce wines that express the terroir of Chablis Grand Crus.

Grand Cru Les Clos has a strong minerality, beautiful structure, and mellowness. This is a white wine with depth and complexity, and a very good balance of softness and acidity.

Maison William Febvre/ Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume

William Fevre is a domaine founded in 1850, and in 1950, Mr. William Fevre, who is also the current company name, inherited the domaine. This domaine owns the largest vineyard in Chablis. We have been practicing biologic farming since 2008, and are using biodynamic farming in our Grand Cru and Premier Cru fields.

Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume is a wine produced from one of the highest quality and most popular vineyards among the first-class vineyards, with rich minerality and elegance.

The aromas of white flowers, fresh pear, white peach, and almond overlap with a mineral feel, resulting in a powerful, well-balanced, and elegant taste.

Billaud Simon/ Chablis Cuvée Tête d'Or

Domaine Billot Simon is a prestigious wine maker that has been around since 1815. It is a domaine that has received a lot of attention, with a track record of taking the top spot in the Chablis Wine Awards, and many of France's starred restaurants carry Billot Simon's wine.

Chablis Cuvée Tête d'Or has aromas of citrus fruits such as citrus, clear minerality, lively acidity, and yet smooth.

Domaine Segino Bordet/Petit Chablis

Family-run Domaine Segino Bordet is one of the oldest estates in the village of Chablis, dating back to 1590.

Petit Chablis is pleasant and refreshing with aromas of verbena flowers and lemon.

summary

Chablis comes in a variety of price ranges and flavors. Please use it depending on the occasion and enjoy a fun Chablis time.