Chablis
Though firmly a region of Burgundy, the northerly location of Chablis makes for a very different style of wine than those that come from the Cote d'Or and Macon, over 100 km to the south. Exclusively made from Chardonnay, the cooler climate contributes to the lean, mineral wines typical of Chablis, with fresh acidity and intense flavours. Chablis has two distinct soil profiles, and wines made from grapes grown in fossil-rich, mineral Kimmeridgian clays are the more highly regarded. The region's Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards are located on these soils. Portlandian soils, the other profile, are lighter in minerals and fossils and produce fruitier wines.
Four quality levels exist in the vineyards of Chablis: Chablis Grand Cru, Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis and Petit Chablis. Typically pale gold in colour, with some green tinges, Chablis are lively, mineral wines with notes of green apple, lemon, flint, freshly cut hay and occasionally lime, mint and liquorice.
