Wine from Chablis

Wine connoisseurs all over the world regard the Chardonnay from Chablis as the purest dry white wine to grace the palate. The grapes exclusively grow in the vineyards of the sleepy village of Chablis, merely a two hour drive from Paris. The village also has the reputation of being the Golden Gate of Burgundy, and Chardonnay from this region has a distinct and full bodied flavour. Limestone concentration in the soil here produces an earthy aroma, unmatched anywhere else. In a world where multiple countries compete in wine production, the exclusivity of Chablis is unmatched.

The vinification requires minimal ageing to infuse the mineral aroma. When young, the grapes have a greenish tinge. The vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, accounting for the distinctive ‘flinty’ flavour. Many drinkers also identify the aroma as ‘steely’. The purity of the wine earns it the highest prestige among the most privileged social circles. Needless to say, it is a relatively expensive white wine but of course it is completely worthy of the high price.

The amount of barrel maturation varies from one producer to another, creating a few distinct and slightly different flavours. The region is one of France’s oldest for wine production and, like many other orchards, the Romans were the first to plant the grapes. That original taste is still enjoyed today, unchanged, as much as it was by those first Roman settlors. Some Champagne producers also use Chablis as the base note for creating the sparkling Cuvée.

Chablis wine went through a major crisis during the early 20th century as its demand dropped in comparison with inexpensive wines. In the 1950s, only 1,235 acres of vineyards remained. However, fortunately the wine was eventually resurrected. By 2004, there were around 10,000 acres of vineyards producing Chablis wine. It remains one of the most exclusive varieties of white Chardonnay wine.