Chablis Wine is Some of the World’s Best Chardonnay
Chablis, the northernmost growing district of Burgundy, is home to some of the most unforgettable, incisive, terroir-driven Chardonnay in the world. Yet because for a long time the name wasn’t adequately protected, wines labeled “Chablis” came from all over the place, even California, and their relationship to the real deal wasn’t even tenuous: It was non-existent. Now that that’s not really an issue anymore—the name Chablis is protect by law—Chablis is staging a comeback, and among its many passionate fans, it is considered to be some of the best white wine on the planet. Let’s explore why.
What is Chablis?
Chablis is the northernmost wine district of Burgundy in France, and the white wine produced there, from Chardonnay, expresses the unique limestone-rich soils of the region with a sense of bracing clarity found nowhere else on earth.
What grape is Chablis made from?
In Chablis Chardonnay is king, and among all French wine, Chablis is one of the most respected. Chablis is a white wine that must, by law, be produced from the Chardonnay grape variety. However, the nature of the soil and cooler climate make the Chardonnays of Chablis very different from the rich, fruit-forward ones of, say, Napa Valley, and even quite different from the Chardonnay-based white wines of elsewhere in Burgundy.
What do Chablis wines taste like?
Chablis wines tend to be quite savory in character, with mineral notes of chalk and gunpowder commonly found in them. In terms of fruit, that aspect of Chablis wine often reminds tasters of lemon and citrus pith, as well as occasionally hard apples and sometimes spice. Chablis is classified into four main quality categories: Chablis, Petit Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. It is not uncommon to find Grand Cru and Premier Cru Chablis that has been aged in oak, but most of the rest of the wines of Chablis utilize stainless steel tanks entirely.
Is Chablis wine dry or sweet?
Chablis is a dry wine that is produced from the Chardonnay grape variety.
What is the difference between a Chablis and a Chardonnay?
Chardonnay is a grape variety that is planted all over the world, including Chablis. However, Chablis is a specific wine district of France, and a totally unique expression of Chardonnay results from the land in which its vineyards are planted.
Is Chablis like Sauvignon Blanc?
Chablis is produced from Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc is an entirely different grape variety. They don’t taste alike, though both tend to be energized by an excellent sense of often citrus-y acidity. In general, however, the similarities end there. Still, for consumers who dislike the oaky, buttery style of Chardonnay, Chablis may be the Chardonnay that changes their minds. It’s definitely worth a taste!
How do you drink Chablis wine?
Chablis is best served chilled, though it is fascinating to experience the range of flavors and aromas that emerge as the more extreme chill of the refrigerator diminishes in the glass: The wine will become more savory and less about the acidity of its fruit. It’s fascinating and utterly delicious.
Which is sweeter Chablis or Chardonnay?
In general, Chardonnay produced in Chablis seems less sweet—less fruity—than Chardonnay from most of the rest of the world. Tasted side by side, Chablis would taste much less fruity-sweet than an oaky, buttery Napa Valley Chardonnay…even though both are dry white wines.
What do you eat with Chablis wine?
Chablis wine is wonderful alongside oysters, simply prepared fish and seafood, and buttery, creamy sauces. It also works well with cheese like Comté, as well as other nuttier cheeses like Manchego and well-aged Gouda. It’s a nice pairing partner for mushrooms and egg-based dishes, too.
What are the most popular Chablis wines?
There are many popular Chablis producers, and among the best are La Chablisienne, Jean Marc Brocard / Brocard, Domaine Laroche, Joseph Drouhin, Louis Jadot, Louis Latour, Jean Bouchard, Calvet, Domaine Louis Moreau, Domaine Chenevieres (Winery Direct), and Domaine Pascal Bouchard (Winery Direct).
Browse our full selection of Chablis wine online or check out our selection of highly rated Chablis wine for a great new Chablis wine to try this week!
Want to learn more about Chablis wine?
Visit our Guide to Chablis wine to learn more about Chablis wine.