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Chablis

Burgundy

Burgundy's northernmost wine region, Chablis produces some of the purest, most mineral expressions of Chardonnay in the world. From crisp village wines to the seven powerful Grand Cru climats on a single southwest-facing slope, there is extraordinary depth to explore here. The Kimmeridgian limestone soils give the wines their signature steely, flinty character.

The wines of Chablis are made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. Steely, mineral, unoaked.

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the west Petit Chablis

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Terroir & Classification

Soils

Kimmeridgian limestonePortlandian limestone

Chablis sits on Jurassic-era Kimmeridgian marl and limestone bedrock, rich in fossilized oyster shells (Exogyra virgula) that create exceptional drainage while retaining sufficient moisture. The chalky limestone subsoil forces vine roots deep, contributing to the wines' distinctive mineral backbone and saline character.

Classification

19

Premier Cru vineyards

A significant number that speaks to the quality and variety of vineyard sites here.

Elevation

150-300m, predominantly south and southeast-facing slopes

Microclimate

Continental climate with cooler temperatures than the Côte d'Or due to its northern latitude, creating longer hang time and preserving Chardonnay's natural acidity. The Serein River valley provides some moderating influence against spring frosts.

Typical Aromas

green applelemon zestwet stoneoyster shellwhite flowersgunflint

Grapes of Burgundy

Chardonnay

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearmelon

Steely, mineral, unoaked

Pinot Noir

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryred cherryviolet

Thin-skinned grape with naturally low tannin. Typically made as a single varietal; also used extensively for Champagne and other sparkling wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chablis known for?▼
Chablis is known for producing some of the purest, most mineral expressions of Chardonnay in the world. As Burgundy's northernmost wine region, it's celebrated for its crisp village wines and seven prestigious Grand Cru climats located on a single southwest-facing slope.
What does Chablis wine taste like?▼
Chablis wines are characterized by their crisp, mineral-driven profile with pure Chardonnay fruit expression. The wines range from lean and steely in the village appellations to more powerful and complex in the Grand Cru sites, all unified by distinctive limestone minerality.
What grapes are grown in Chablis?▼
Chablis exclusively grows Chardonnay grapes. This single-varietal focus allows the region to showcase the purest expressions of Chardonnay influenced by its unique terroir and limestone soils.
How many premier crus does Chablis have?▼
Chablis has 19 Premier Cru vineyards. These sites sit between the village-level Chablis appellation and the seven Grand Cru climats in terms of quality and prestige.
What soil types are found in Chablis?▼
Chablis is built on two main limestone formations: Kimmeridgian limestone and Portlandian limestone. The Kimmeridgian limestone, rich in fossilized marine sediments, is particularly prized for producing the region's most mineral and age-worthy wines.

Map data: INAO, Cadastre, manual adjustments