The “Golden Gate” is the northernmost wine area of Burgundy, situated 111 miles from Paris and about 50 miles northwest of the Côte d’Or. It is also the largest wine-growing district in Burgundy with 5,500 acres. Vines began to growth during the Roman era. In the 12th century, the Cistercian monks from the abbey of Pontigny developed its cultivation. In a limestone soil and semi-continental climate, the Chardonnay grape finds a unique yet fragile equilibrium at maturity, without over-ripening. Chablis is subdivided into 4 appellations.  

     

PETIT CHABLIS

Brilliant pale gold, the colour of rye-straw, sometimes flecked with green.

Its aromas are of white flowers (may, acacia) mixed with citrussy notes (lemon, grapefruit) over a mineral base (gun-flint). Notes of peach and other white-fleshed fruits are sometimes encountered.

The mouth is light and lively with well-balanced acidity. A spirited attack soon yields to a likeable roundess. A touch of saltiness (iodine) is characteristic. Freshness, body and persistence come together to form a harmonious whole. The wine is drunk young, ideally after two years.

CHABLIS

Colour is rather light - pale gold or greeny-gold.

Nose very fresh, lively and mineral with flint, green apple, lemon, underbrush and field mushroom. Notes of lime-flower, mint, and acacia occur frequently, as do aromas of liquorice and freshly-cut hay. Age depens the colour and adds a note of spice to the bouquet.

On the palate, these aromas retain their freshness for an extended period. Perky and full of juice, it has an attack like an infantry charge. Long and likeable persistence leads to a smooth and serene finish. Very dry and impeccably delicate, Chablis has a unique and readily-recognisable personality.

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU

Pale gold in colour.

To the nose, the full extent of its aromatic potential is not instantly apparent. It needs a little airing. This is a wine with good aging potential (5 or sometimes up to 10 years). Each "Climat" (17 in total) has its own typicity, depending on soil and exposure.

The wines are well-built and long in the mouth. The Premier Cru Chablis wines beguile the palate, whether mineral and tight in their youth or flowery and developing delicate and subtle aromas with age. Chablis Grand Cru The appellation may be followed by the name of one of the following 7 " Climats " (named plots): Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Preuses, Valmur, Vaudésir. Pure green-gold in colour, evolving to a light yellow with age. Intense mineral scents (flint) but with room for lime-flowers, dried fruits, almond and a discreet touch of honey. Field mushroom gives a strongly characteristic touch to this wine. On the palate, acidity and fat are in perfect balance, as are liveliness and dryness. It has all the charm of an inimitable and authentic wine. This is the jewel in the crown of the Chablis range, richly nuanced by variations in "Climat ".

CHABLIS GRAND CRU

 The appellation may be followed by the name of one of the following 7 " Climats " (named plots): Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Preuses, Valmur, Vaudésir

Pure green-gold in colour, evolving to a light yellow with age.

 Intense mineral scents (flint) but with room for lime-flowers, dried fruits, almond and a discreet touch of honey. Field mushroom gives a strongly characteristic touch to this wine.

On the palate, acidity and fat are in perfect balance, as are liveliness and dryness. It has all the charm of an inimitable and authentic wine. This is the jewel in the crown of the Chablis range, richly nuanced by variations in "Climat ".

G.G.