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The Chablis appellation represents the northest portion of Burgundy even though is physically separated from it. The Chablis vineyards lie along a little river aptly named "LeSerein". The first testimonials of grape growing activities date back to the 12th Century: at that time grapes were cultivated by the Cistercian monks from the Abbey of Pontigny. The soil of Chablis is composed by Jurassic limestone (specifically Kimmeridgian and Marls Limestone). These rocks contain deposits of fossilized shells which tells us that at some point in history Burgundy was covered by the ocean. The only grape grown in this appellation is Chardonnay, which is locally known as Beaunois, with the exception of a small quantity (100 hectares) of Sauvignon grown in the 7 communes of Sauvignon de Saint-Bris.The Chablis District includes four appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru. The Premier Cru and Grand Cru appellations have been both granted on January 13th 1938. The best wines of Chablis, Grand Cru and the most sought after Premier Cru, lie on the right bank of the river. There are 40 Premier Cru and 7 Grand Cru. The total extension of vineyards is approximately 4,650 hectares of which 3300 are Chablis, 775 are Chablis Premier Cru, 475 are Petit Chablis and 98 are Grand Cru.
The Grand Cru Climats are:
Les Clos
Blanchot
Bougros
Grenouilles
Valmur
Vaudésir
Les Preuses
Probably "Les Clos" is the original kernel of the Chablis vineyards. Chablis wines are clean, very acidic and very mineral. They represent a real treat for the real Chardonnay lover. Wonderful wines which are amazing when paired with shellfish.
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