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Chablis Grand Cru
Chablis Grand Cru represents the finest and most memorable wines from the northern wine region of Chablis, the northernmost Burgundian area, and one of the better-known French appellations worldwide.
Some of the most pleasurable white wines in the world come from this area, Chablis, and the finest are made with grapes grown on a single slope, a hill overlooking the town of Chablis across the Sereine River — this is the Chablis Grand Cru appellation. Age-worthy, complex and sophisticated, and at the same time easy to enjoy, Chablis Grand Cru is worthy of the finest wine collections and cellars. Let’s talk about Chablis Grand Cru.
Production
Chablis Grand Cru comes from only 99.67 hectares of vines over a slope with southwestern exposure. The appellation covers seven climats or named plots: Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Preuses, Valmur, and Vaudésir, and each produces slightly different wines as they vary in altitude, inclination, soil composition and orientation.
The secret behind the quality of these wines is terroir. The slope (with an elevation between 100 and 250 metres) makes the most of the sun’s warmth, and is made of complex Jurassic soils created 150 million years ago. Winemakers worldwide like to say that fine white wine comes from white soils, and the Grand Cru climats in Chablis are as white as soil gets — they’re composed of limestone, marl and oyster shell fossils.
Only 1% of the wines made in Chablis come from Grand Cru vineyards, representing only around 4,500 hectolitres of wine, so these wines are as rare as they are memorable. However, growing grapes in Chablis is no easy feat. Although Chardonnay is cold-resistant, producers in the area must fight spring frosts and hail, which often result in lost crops. Chablis Grand Cru is a vinous miracle!
Grape Varieties
Like the rest of the region’s appellations, Chablis Grand Cru is a Chardonnay specialist. It is on its steep vineyards where the noble white grape shows its most elegant features: sharp acidity, a medium body, and a complex bouquet. Expect white fruit, lime flowers, flint, dried fruit and almonds over a dry but robust palate extending long into the aftertaste.
Chablis Grand Cru is so concentrated that it ages very well and can be enjoyed between 10 and 15 years after vintage and even longer. The wine will not only age but evolve and become more sophisticated, making it a collector’s darling.
Producers in the area might produce Chablis Grand Cru with little to no oak influence, but some experiment with elevage in oak casks, resulting in even more complex wines with oak casks and remnants of controlled oxidation.
Buy Chablis Grand Cru Wine from Hourlier Wines
If you want to buy Chablis Grand Cru wines, we have a curated selection that will open your senses to the marvellous definition of terroir.
Dampt Frères Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses
Les Preuses produces elegant Chardonnay. With only 11.13 hectares overlooking the Serein River, this brilliant vineyard has a southwestern exposure and varies in steepness, resulting in grapes ripening at various stages, equaling complex wines. Benefiting from the warmth of the afternoon sun, Eric and Emmanuel Dampt, with over two decades of winemaking experience, produce elegant and round wines from this plot, resulting in one of the finest expressions of cold-climate Chardonnay and a worthy ambassador for the style.
FAQ
Why is Chablis different from Chablis Grand Cru?
Chablis Grand Cru comes from the same region as Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru. However, the grapes used to produce it come from one of the seven climats on the Grand Cru slope — the finest terroir in the region in terms of soil, orientation, elevation and sun exposure.
Which food groups pair well with Chablis Grand Cru wine?
Chablis Grand Cru is best served at a temperature between 12 and 14°C. It’s best enjoyed with lobster, oily fish and fine poultry with cream sauces and white meat, especially when grilled or roasted.
