Basic information about Chablis
What kind of wine is Chablis wine? Chablis is a name you've probably heard of, even if you're not familiar with wine. However, when someone asks me, "What kind of wine is Chablis wine?", I find it difficult or difficult to explain. This time, I would like to introduce some basic information about Chablis wine that you may not be able to hear about. Check out the basic information about Chablis wine and find out why Chablis white wine is delicious!What is Chablis? ① White wine from the Chablis region
Chablis is the name of a district in the Burgundy region of northern France. The name ``Chablis'', taken from the Chablis region, refers to the ``dry white wine'' produced in the Chablis region. Chablis is only white wine. This is determined by the Wine Law. Red wine cannot be labeled "Chablis" even if it is made from the same Chablis grape. If you want to drink a dry white wine, you can't go wrong with Chablis.What is Chablis? ② 100% Chardonnay
Chablis wines are made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Many wines using Chardonnay are produced not only in France but also abroad, but Chablis white wine is special. The mineral-rich Kimmeridgian soil gives it a unique character and the grapes grow in an ideal climate. Because Chablis is made from Chardonnay grown in the Chablis region's special climate and terroir, which is perfect for wine, it is a special wine with a good balance of sweetness and freshness.What is Chablis?③Dry and fresh acidity
Chablis wine is characterized by its crisp dryness and firm acidity. The cool climate of the Chablis region produces wines with high acidity. Furthermore, Chablis is often fermented in stainless steel tanks, so you can enjoy the lively acidity of fresh, pure Chardonnay grapes. Vintage wines often fermented in oak barrels are said to develop aromas of smoke, vanilla, caramel, and butter over time. A good Chablis has strong acidity, a strong minerality, and a long, tangy aftertaste.What is Chablis? ④ Rich in minerals
Chablis is a wine with a rich minerality and a bit of salt. Its rich minerality is largely influenced by the soil of the Chablis region. Long ago, the Chablis area was a sea. Therefore, most of the area has soils mainly composed of limestone called Kimmeridgian. The soil is rich in minerals and contains marine fossils such as oysters and shellfish. Chablis wines made using Chardonnay grapes grown in such terroirs are full of minerality and have a slightly salty feel. In particular, Premier Chablis and Grand Cru Chablis are full of minerality due to the Kimmeridgian soil. You can also enjoy scents like vanilla and peanuts derived from minerals.What is Chablis? ⑤ Thousands of years of history
The history of the village of Chablis begins in Roman times. Grape cultivation is also thought to have begun during the Neolithic period. That was over 3000 years ago! In 1114, Hugues de Macon, a Cistercian, founded a monastery in the Chablis area. The monastery soon became famous and vines were donated for the monks. The Cistercian monks developed the vineyards. After that, the Chablis vineyards, which had been passed down for hundreds of years, were severely damaged by vine diseases such as phylloxera and downy mildew, as well as by World War II. Immediately after World War II, only 550 ha of vineyards remained. Since then, Chablis has successfully recovered and now has over 5,600 hectares of vineyards. Chablis wine is a ``historic wine'' made from the ``historic grapes of Chablis'' that have been preserved for thousands of years.Types of Chablis wine
Chablis wines are ranked into four types. Features and prices vary depending on the rating. When buying Chablis, be sure to check the label to see which type it is classified as.① Chablis Grand Cru (special grade)
Chablis Grand Cru is one of the top Chablis wines. Only wines made from seven vineyards on a 100-hectare slope on the eastern edge of town can claim the title of Chablis Grand Cru. The seven Grand Crus are: Preuses, Bougros, Vaudesir, Grenouilles, Valmur, Les Clos and Blanchot. Made under strict regulations. The taste of Chablis varies greatly depending on the climate and winemaking process. From rich orange peel, apricot, and passion fruit to more flavors of apple and peanut shells. It has a rich flavor. Recommended wine
Domaine William Fevre/ Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos [2017 Vintage] 750ml, white Domaine William Fevre/ Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos Wine ¥14,070 (tax included)
``Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos'' is said to be ``one of the producers of the purest and most elegant white wine.'' The largest producer of Chablis Grand Crus, it has dry minerality and great aging potential.
BILLAUD-SIMON/Chablis Vaudesir [2017 Vintage] 750ml White BILLAUD-SIMON/Chablis Vaudesir Wine ¥9,020 (tax included)
``Chablis Grand Cru Vordesir'' by Domaine Billault Simon, which boasts a history of 200 years, has a rich fruit flavor and a refined minerality. A well-balanced wine.
②Chablis Premier Cru (first grade)
Premier Cru fields account for only 15% of Chablis' vineyards. This wine is guaranteed to be of the highest quality after Grand Cru. Vineyards designated as Premier Crus, unlike Grand Crus, rarely have their names listed on wine labels. Recommended wine
Henri de Boursaux/ Chablis Premier Cru Beauroy 750ml White Wine ¥3,420 (tax included)
Notes of herbs and minerals in the scent of fruits such as apple and grapefruit. A delicate and deep dry wine with lively acidity.
Geller Duplessis/Chablis Premier Cru Vaillon [2016 Vintage] 750ml White Wine ¥4,340 (tax included)
The grapes are grown in a vineyard with a mix of clay and sand on a southeast facing slope. Enjoy a fruity taste with hints of tropical fruits such as peach and pineapple.
③AOP (C) Chablis
This name was created in 1938 to protect the name ``Chablis wine.'' It is the most common and widespread of the four classifications. Currently, all wines bearing the Chablis title are dry white wines made from 100% Chardonnay. In addition, it is produced from vineyards in specially designated areas in and near the town of Chablis.
Maison William Fevre/ Chablis [2018 Vintage] 750ml White Maison William Fevre/ Chablis Wine ¥2,380 (tax included)
Standard Chablis with a fresh citrus aroma and sharp acidity. The clean and mineral taste is a model wine that expresses the original taste characteristics of Chablis. Recommended for those trying Chablis wine for the first time!
④Petit Chablis
This is the most casual wine in Chablis. Petit Chablis fields are often located on the plateau above Premier Crus and Grand Crus. It is said that it is less likely to benefit from the Chablis climate, which is suitable for wine, because it is easily exposed to the wind and does not slope towards the sun. However, the appeal is that you can easily drink Chablis wine at an affordable price. A light and fruity wine.
Domaine Segino Bordet/Petit Chablis [2019 Vintage] 750ml White PETIT CHABLIS Wine ¥2,270 (tax included)
