Chablis goes well with seafood! How to pair wine flavors with food
Chablis is the representative white wine. A dry white wine that is widely loved in Japan. Chablis goes perfectly with seafood, so it's no wonder it's popular with Japanese people who eat a lot of seafood. This time, we will introduce types of Chablis, seafood pairings, and recommended Chablis.
What is Chablis?
Chablis is a white wine produced in the village of Chablis, located in the northernmost Burgundy region of France.
The grape variety used for Chablis is Chardonnay. Chardonnay is a grape variety whose taste varies depending on the land where it is grown. The village of Chablis has a cool climate, which gives the wine produced there a strong acidity. Sharp acidity is a major characteristic of Chablis.
chablis soil
Another characteristic of Chablis wine is its rich minerality. The secret of this mineral lies in the soil of the village of Chablis. A long time ago, 150 million years ago, this land was an ocean. Then, the strata on the ocean floor rose up, forming calcareous soil that contained fossils such as oysters and shells. This soil is called Kimmeridgian soil and is the origin of the minerals in Chablis wine.
Types of Chablis
Chablis wine is certified under the French wine law classification ``AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin)''. It is further classified into four ranks, starting from the top: ``Chablis Grand Cru,'' ``Chablis Premier Cru,'' ``Chablis,'' and ``Petit Chablis.''
``Petit Chablis'' is fruity and light. It has a refreshing taste.
``Chablis'' has a fresh taste and is characterized by sharp acidity. It can be said that it is the most popular among the four ranks because it has the highest production volume.
``Chablis Premier Cru'' is Chablis produced from 40 climats (plots), and because the fields are carefully selected, the wine has a more elegant and refined taste.
``Chablis Grand Cru'' is a wine made from seven of the best vineyards in the village of Chablis, and can be called a top Chablis. Production is only 2% of all Chablis, making it a rare wine.
As you can see, even though Chablis is just one word, it has a wide range of flavors and prices. By using different wines depending on the food and situation, you can enjoy wine and food even more.
Marriage of Petit Chablis and seafood
Raw oysters
If you're a wine lover, you've probably heard of the classic pairing, Chablis and raw oysters. Smooth and creamy raw oysters and refreshing Chablis come together. Both the oysters and the wine become even more delicious, making it the perfect marriage.
There is actually a reason why this combination was created. It is said that this is because Chablis used to have a very strong acidity, so it had the ability to eliminate the smell of raw seafood.
Sashimi, carpaccio
Chablis pairs well not only with raw oysters, but also with a variety of sashimi. In particular, fatty salmon is a must-try item. Of course, raw fish carpaccio also goes well.
You can directly enjoy the scent of the sea, and the refreshing texture of raw seafood is recommended to be paired with the mild Petit Chablis.
Recommended Petit Chablis
Domaine Segino Bordet / Petit Chablis
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Family-run since 1590, Domaine Segino Bordet is one of the oldest estates in the village of Chablis. This wine has a refreshing taste with floral nuances and a hint of lemon.
Marriage of Chablis and seafood
grilled fish, boiled fish
Grilled and boiled fish are standard menu items in both Japanese and Western cuisine. Heating brings out the flavor of the fish and gives it a richer flavor. Chablis is also perfect for grilled or boiled fish, where you can enjoy the gentle taste of the sea. Fresh Chablis and seafood are a pleasant pairing that complement each other.
fish tempura
Tempura is an indispensable cooking method for seafood dishes. Chablis also goes well with everyone's favorite fish tempura. The crispy tempura brings out the charm of the sour Chablis.
Recommended Chablis
Billaud Simon / Chablis Cuvée Tête d'Or
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The prestigious Domaine Billot Simon has been in operation since 1815. This wine has aromas of citrus fruits and a strong minerality. It has a sharp acidity, yet a smooth texture.
Marriage of Chablis Premier Cru and seafood
scallops, crab, shrimp
Among seafood, scallops, crab, and shrimp are sweet and have a delicious flavor that spreads in your mouth. Of course, Chablis goes well with the plump flavors of scallops and crab. For rich dishes, pair it with Chablis from the Premier Crus. This wine pairs perfectly with dishes such as butter-fried scallops, crab sauce, and fried shrimp.
Oyster sauce
Oysters go well with Chablis, both raw and cooked. In particular, the oyster sauce has a rich, rich flavor that you want to pair with the plump Premier Cru Chablis. Be sure to try making your own oyster sauce, which is packed with the flavor of oysters. You can enjoy the special taste.
Recommended Chablis Premier Cru
Maison William Febvre/ Chablis Premier Cru Montman
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Domaine William Fevre was founded in 1850, and 100 years later, in 1950, it was inherited by William Fevre, who took its current name. We have been practicing biologic farming since 2008, and we practice biodynamic farming in our Grand Cru and Premier Cru fields.
This wine has lively minerality, fresh acidity and a long finish. It has a classy and elegant taste.
Marriage of Chablis Grand Cru and seafood
Seafood dishes using sauce
Enjoy a luxurious pairing with Grand Cru Chablis with seafood dishes made with flavorful French sauces. The rich flavors of white fish meuniere, sautéed fish, and gratin made with white or cream sauce are enhanced by the rich Chablis.
The higher quality the ingredients, the more delicious it will be. Pair it with a savory dish like lobster with white sauce for a perfect combination.
sea urchin
Sea urchin, a high-quality ingredient, also goes perfectly with the flavorful Chablis. The smooth texture of the sea urchin and the mellow Chablis will create a blissful time.
Recommended Chablis Grand Cru
Domaine Christian Moreau / Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
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The Moreau family's wine making began in 1814 with the négociant "J. Moreau et Fils". In 2002, Christian Moreau launched Domaine Christian Moreau. We have been practicing biologic farming since 2008.
This wine has a rich minerality and a mellow taste. Beautiful, deep and complex.
summary
From daily seafood to seafood dishes for special occasions, be sure to enjoy Chablis with a variety of dishes. Then, be sure to find your favorite Chablis for each occasion.
