Italiano
The world of Chablis (1)
For many years, the Chardonnay from Chablis has been considered the best white in the world and many wine lovers still believe this to be true today. Although defined as ‘Burgundy’, the zone is much more to the north and closer to Paris with a soil composition and climate more similar to that of Champagne. In fact, Chablis is often compared to the masterpieces from Reims but with the bubbles. The vines grow in a chalky-lime, Kimmeridge-clay soil which has small oyster fossils called exogyra virgule created some 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period. Winemaking here has an ancient history that dates back to the Roman era while already at the start of the 11th century documents attested to the great white Chablis wines. The Chardonnay of Chablis is organoleptically unique, cutting, very fragrant and floral with a legendary drinkability.
The classification of Chablis is relatively simple, a pyramid in which the Grand Cru wines are at the top followed respectively by the Premier Cru, Chablis and Petit Chablis. This is basically a Burgundy system that ‘organizes’ total production according to quality. Of the some 4,300 hectares of vineyards in the area, over 80% produce Petit Chablis and Chablis. Almost always the grapes for these two classifications are grown in alluvial valleys and produce more simple and easy to drink wines. Most of the remaining vineyards are classified as 1er Cru, around 40 parcels, and only a small percentage are classified as Grands Cru. Of these only seven small parcels (Climat) can claim to produce the most excellent white wine in the world.
The reviews below are the result of several tasting sessions and represent only a small contribution to the greatness of this area that, in my view, produce perhaps the most drinkable and pleasing wines in the world.
Petit Chablis and Chablis
As we mentioned above, these two classification represent some 80% of the vineyards in the appellation and are considered ‘everyday’ wines. Oddly enough, Chablis, although higher ranked, represents ¾ of production from these vineyards. Fortunately, despite speculation by producers who make the more hard-to-find and cult wines, prices for Chablis are still affordable and allow us to enjoy this wine without spending a fortune.
Petit Chablis wines are simple and disarming, extremely drinkable with a sharp acidity and wonderful aromas. Most Chablis wines have an excellent structure with the Chardonnay producing ‘pure’ aromas and almost ancestral and pleasing characteristics, with aging done exclusively in stainless steel. The significant temperature variations in the area of Chablis produce inebriating and unique aromas, thanks also to the chalky subsoil rich in marine deposits.
