The holiday season is all about meals shared with family and friends and Chablis wine, either uncorked and sitting next to the turkey on the table or wrapped under the tree as a gift, will enrich your holidays.
The Chablis region of France includes 5,771 hectares of vineyards that span 20 villages and hamlets along the Serein valley, on both sides of the Serein river. Tourist flock to the region during September and October to experience the excitement of harvest season.
OAC rules stipulate that Chablis must be made with 100 percent Chardonnay, which is not the case with other regions of the world that produce Chardonnay wines. The cooler climate of Chablis is said to produce the purest expressions of the Chardonnay grape: it is crisper, with fresher tasting notes and minerality, and is most often unoaked.
With a touch of finesse and subtlety, Chablis wine are a delectable gastronomic discovery. For the holidays, here are three appellations (growing areas) from Chablis to discover: Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru and three gifting options!
$30 and less – Chablis
The Chablis appellation is the most spread out of the Chablisian vineyard and often has a very light color, fresh and crisp aromas, with a pungent minerality. Dry and perfectly crafted, we can find notes of flint stone, green apples and lemon, as well as earthy and mushroom tones. More vegetal notes can also be found with linden, mint, acacia and licorice alongside a fresh-cut grass aroma. Aging makes it more golden in colour and enhances its spices.
La Chablisienne
Les Vénérables Vieilles Vignes Chablis, 2019
VINTAGES#: 215525 • $28.95
Keeping potential: 3 to 6 years
Service temperature: 12 -13 degrees Celsius
$50 and less – Chablis Premier Cru
This appellation evolves to this day through 40 different Climats on diverse communes associated with its AOC. This diversity in Climats brings a myriad of typicity, of character, following the soil and exposure of the wines. Structured, with a long finish; from the most mineral, tighter in the early stages, to the most floral, that develops smooth and soft aromas, the Climats of Chablis Premier Cru charm the palate. Wines to age, 5 to 10 years.
Domaine Jean Collet & Fils
Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru, 2018
Vintages#: 65084 • $48.95
Keeping potential: 3 to 6 years old
Service temperature: 12 -13 degrees Celsius
$120 and less – Chablis Grand Cru
This appellation is depicted as the most beautiful gem of the Chablis crown, we can find rich nuances, expressing themselves through seven Climats. On the nose, the mineral aromas (flint stone) are intense. Nonetheless, they leave room for linden, dry fruits, honey and almonds notes to shine through. On the palate, there is a harmonious balance between freshness and roundness. Wines to age, 10 to 15 years (sometimes more).
Joseph Drouhin Vaudésir
Chablis Grand Cru 2018
LCBO#: 25547 • $120.00
Keeping potential: 5 to 15 years
Service temperature: 14 degrees Celsius
Header image: iStock
