Chablis Grand Cru Wine Region

Chablis Grand Cru is the most prestigious wine microzone in the Chablis sub-region of Burgundy, which produces exceptional dry white wines from the renowned Chardonnay grape. The Grand Cru Chablis' distinctive vineyards are in a fantastic site; they are protected on the right bank of the Serein River, on the hills' southwest slope. The exceptional terroir, which is characterized by clay-rocky soils and a mild humid environment, is what gives the local wines their vivid character and original taste. Only 2% of the entire volume of Chablis wines is produced on the tiny lands of the appellation, which is also accounted for by the extremely low grape yield.

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Where is the Chablis Grand Cru Wine Region?

The Chablis appellation is one of the AOCs in Burgundy, central East France. They constitute approximately 3.2% of the total Chablis wine output. The AOC Chablis Grand Cru only has about 1.5 square kilometers of land, organized in 7 climates. 

Unique Terroir of Chablis Grand Cru Appellation

Chablis Grand Cru is located in the commune of Chablis, on the right bank of the Serein river. It is northeast of the city, at an altitude of 100 to 250 meters above sea level. Chablis experiences a mild oceanic climate with a tendency toward the continent. This vineyard experiences frost in the early spring.

Chablis Grand Cru lies on a Kimmeridgian limestone that was formed in the Jurassic period (approximately 150 million years ago). Limestones and marls, which are the habitat of tiny fossil oysters, make up the terroir of Chablis Grand Cru.

History of Chablis Grand Cru wine region

The Chablis Grand Cru AOC, which was acknowledged on January 13, 1938, is the top of the Chablis wine pyramid, which also includes Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru.

The name of Chablis Grand Cru is unique, it is divided into 7 climatic zones indicated on the label, with a pronounced individuality, but with nuances, where Chardonnay succeeds in beautiful variations on the same theme: 

• Blanchot
• Bougros
• Les Clos 
• Grenouilles
• Preuses
• Valmur 
• Vaudésir

What is Chablis Grand Cru Wine?

Chablis Grand Cru wines have all the qualities of the wines of the previous appellation, but these qualities are more pronounced since the soils here are enriched with clay-stony colluvium. With successful vinification, Chablis Grand Cru wines are perfect and have very persistent flavors. The terroir gives them a determination that distinguishes them from their southern rivals. The ability of these wines to age is amazing: it takes them up to ten years to soften, acquire harmony, and an unforgettable bouquet with the aroma of rifle flint.

Chablis Grand Cru wines have a perfect balance between fat and acidity, with on-the-nose rich aromas of minerals and hints of linden, dried fruit, and honey and almond in the finish. The Blanchot gives the most complex wines, but those of Frogs are more powerful. Valmur is close to Clos (very typical wines with cinnamon aromas) while being more tender. As for the Grand Crus of Vaudésir and Preuses, they are very accomplished and of great finesse. Only the climate Bougros give wines a little less subtle and complex. They all allow good care for 10 to 15 years, and even more for the best of them.

Food to Pair with Chablis Grand Cru wine

The rich vivacity of Chablis Grand Cru allows for offering an excellent dry wine to a fatty liver. The strong minerality of the wines compensates for the bitterness of this noble dish. Of course, the complex subtlety of its aroma, as well as its exceptional durability at the end of the taste, predetermines its magnificent combinations with lobsters, grilled lobsters or, more exquisitely, with white sauce, with or without mushrooms. It is required by all fish delicacies in cream sauce, as well as white meat and poultry in cream sauce. The minerality and liveliness of the name Chablis Grand Cru also give the oyster a wonderful taste of iodine.

Top 3 Places To Discover in Chablis Grand Cru 

Dijon

Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region, and one of the most beautiful cities in France: incredibly diverse in its style solution, it surprisingly combines such different half-timbered houses, classic French Hotels, Gothic cathedrals, and picturesque, slightly shabby, squares, in a beautiful ensemble with a very French atmosphere. Dijon is famous all over the world for its beautiful, fragrant Dijon mustard, which is sold here in many varieties.

Joigny 

A charming town on the banks of the Yonne River, Joigny proudly shows off its magnificent wooden houses built with the trees of the nearby Haute Forest. One of them, the pylori house, with carved patterns and ceramic tiles, is simply remarkable! Nearby it is worth stopping at the house of the tree of Jesse of the XVI century, reproducing the genealogy of Christ.

The Church of Saint-Thibault, made in the Gothic style, occupies an area topped by a bell tower, like the other two churches of St.St. Andrew and St. St. John's, which rise above the roofs of the old town. Inside you can admire the beautiful smiling Maiden of the XIV century.

Arthel

The village of Artel, located in the heart of the countryside of Nivernais, occupies one of the most beautiful in France and boasts a wonderful heritage. The Chateau de la Motte and its feudal enclosure, the Apremont Castle and the 18th-century park, flowery alleys, old houses, and a peaceful pond appreciated by fishermen and painters are all attractions that create the charm of this small town,

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chablis Grnd Cru