Master of Wine Explains CHABLIS, the Purest Expression of Chardonnay

Chablis is perhaps the best expression of Chardonnay. Chablis is a town than is well north of the rest of Burgundy, about 100K or 60 miles, not too far from the Champagne regions. The wines are 100% Chardonnay, it's the only permitted grape variety. Chablis is the ideal pair with shellfish and lighter poultry dishes. There is a hierarchy from top to bottom of Grand Cru, Premier Cru (sometimes called 1er Cru), Chablis and Petit Chablis. For the most part, I pay little attention to Petit Chablis. From Chablis to Premier Cru to Grand Cru, the level of intensity, expression and character will increase. While basic Chablis can be very good, Premier Cru is a significant step up. The difference between Premier and Grand Cru is often less pronounced, therefore Premier Cru is often a comparatively solid value. Both Premier and Grand Cru have excellent aging potential, six to ten years is common, longer for the top bottlings. the 2019 and 2020 are both widely being sold, I've not yet tasted many of the 2021 at the time of this video posting. the prices posted are approx US retails.

Producers to look for include:

La Chablisienne is the single largest land holder in Chablis, at all quality levels. It's a co-operative and one of the very best in all of Europe with excellent standards. Good distribution across many markets.

Domaine Raveneau or Domaine Dauvissat Camus, entire range is excellent for both, among the most pricey, but well worth it!

2020 Fevre Fevre Chablis $30
2020 Fevre Fevre Vieilles Vignes Chablis $35
2019 Fevre Fevre Premier Cru Vaulorent Chablis $50
2020 Fevre Fevre Premier Cru Vaulorent Chablis $50
2019 Bernard Defaix Côte de Léchet Premier Cru $36
2020 Fevre Fevre Fourchaume Chablis $45
2019 Domaine Hamelin 2018 Beauroy Premier Cru $38
2019 Domaine Long-Depaquit Vaillons Premier Cru $46
2019 Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils Vaillons Premier
Cru $52
2019 Louis Michel et Fils Montée de Tonnerre Premier Cru $46
2020 Louis Jadot Chablis $28, solid source quite widely available
2020 Samuel Billaud Chablis $38
2020 Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis $35
2020 William Fevre Montmains Premier Cru $54
2020 Joseph Drouhin 'Drouhin-Vaudon' Chablis $30

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