Chablis Premier Cru

Production

Chablis covers approximately 4,000 hectares of vines. However, only 783.19 hectares are worthy of the Premier Cru title. These plots of land, often with southern and southwestern exposures, have better access to sunlight and sit over Jurassic or Kimmeridgian limestone. Better terroir equals riper grapes, and riper grapes are synonyms with better, more complex, and age-worthy wine.

There are forty Premier Cru vineyards in Chablis, each with its name, including Mont de Milieu, Montée de Tonnerre and Fourchaume; some are certainly better known than others, but they are all charming. You might spot these names on wine labels along with the Chablis Premier Cru designation. These fine wines can compete with the finest white wine in the world.

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay rules the vineyards in Chablis, as the noble Burgundian varietal is one of the few grapes that can withstand the cold, northern climate typical of latitudes as north as 47°N. Here, Chardonnay shows its crispest side, with refreshing acidity and mineral notes hovering over white fruit, flowers, and citrus peel aromas. Warm climate Chardonnay might be big and bold, but in Chablis, it’s elegant and refreshing.

Unlike Petit Chablis and regular Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru wines have concentration, which means they benefit from aeration, meaning swirling in the wine glass as they open to reveal their secrets. The same concentration blesses the wines with the capacity to age and evolve. And although ageing Chablis Premier Cru in oak barrels is rare, some producers experiment with old casks — generally, Chablis offers a fresh expression of Chardonnay rather than an opulent one.

FAQ

Why is Chablis Premier Cru different from Chablis?

Chablis Premier Cru comes from select lieux-dits or named plots on both sides of the Serein River. These vineyards ensure riper grapes compared to less favourable sites labelled simply as Chablis.

Why is Chablis Premier Cru different from Chablis Grand Cru?

Chablis Premier Cru comes from prestigious sites with ideal sun exposure and soil. However, Grand Cru expressions come from an even better terroir, a single hill with perfect exposure and altitude, resulting in riper and more concentrated grapes.

Which food groups pair well with Chablis Premier wine?

Chablis Premier Cru is best enjoyed at 10-11C and shows its best between 5-10 years after vintage. Food pairings with Chablis Premier Cru include cooked oysters, fish in sauce, fine poultry, mild sausages, ham and escargot.