How to Serve and Enjoy a Chablis?
From Petit Chablis to Chablis Grand Cru, the wines of this prestigious appellation offer a wide palate of expressions and profiles suited to simple moments with friends or special occasions. Find out how to serve and enjoy Chablis!
Chablis appellation: the mineral elegance of Burgundy
A true Burgundy wine treasure, Chablis AOC embodies the quintessential mineral elegance that characterises this emblematic region. This dry white wine, made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape variety, is world-renowned for its unique taste profile, combining finesse, freshness and an unrivalled mineral character. Chablis comprises four distinct wine appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru. Chablis AOC wines are distinguished by their freshness, refinement and ability to authentically express the terroir from which they come. The areas and conditions of production allow us to produce wines of exceptional quality. Above all, they are very fine, fresh, pure and mineral wines, a rarity that you won't find anywhere else. Every tasting and every sip is a true celebration of the senses.
The incomparable expression of Chardonnay
An emblematic grape variety in Burgundy and the undisputed master of the Chablis appellation, Chardonnay produces wines of pure expression that seduce the palates of wine lovers the world over. Its subtle aromas of green apple, lemon and minerals combine harmoniously to create a wine of exceptional purity. Thanks to this renowned grape variety, Chablis offers a unique taste experience, combining finesse, minerality and delicate aromas.
At what temperature should Chablis be served?
Serving temperature is a crucial factor in fully appreciating the qualities of a wine, as it can have a significant impact on its aromas, balance and structure on the palate. To bring out the full aromatic richness of a Chablis, the wine must be served at the right temperature. Before serving this delicious white wine, be sure to chill it to the appropriate temperature. You can simply place the bottle in the fridge for a few hours before serving. It's important to note that over-chilling can mask the aromas, so avoid over-chilling.
Also bear in mind that serving temperature may vary slightly depending on the vintage and style of Chablis. Younger, lighter Chablis can be served slightly cooler, while older, more complex Chablis can be served at a slightly higher temperature to release all their aromas.
Ageing potential of Chablis wines
Chablis wines are generally drunk young, within 2 to 5 years of harvesting. When young, they are appreciated for their freshness and liveliness. Chablis Premier Cru wines come from specific vineyards and can be more complex. They have a longer ageing potential, often between 5 and 10 years, or even more, depending on the vintage. Some wines can reach their peak after 10 years of ageing in the bottle. Chablis Grand Cru wines are the most prestigious in the region. They are renowned for their exceptional ageing capacity. As a general rule, they can age for 10 to 20 years, or even longer, depending on the vintage and storage conditions. Some wine lovers even prefer to wait several decades before opening them, as they develop additional aromas and complexity over time.
Tasting advice
- When tasting, start by examining the colour of the wine. Chablis is generally pale yellow to golden in colour.
- Swirl the wine in the glass to release its aromas.
- Bring the glass to your nose and inhale gently to enjoy the aromas of green apple, lemon, gunflint and mineral notes.
- Take a sip and let the wine spread across your palate. Note its lively acidity, its texture, its length on the palate and the aromas that emerge.
- Look for a balance between acidity and fruitiness.
Most Chablis wines can be served straight from the bottle. However, for some young Chablis, decanting can be beneficial. By leaving it to rest in a decanter for around half an hour, the wine opens up more and fully reveals its aromas. Decanting the wine is also an elegant option for presentation at your table.
Which glass for Chablis?
Use a white wine glass, preferably tulip-shaped, to enjoy a Chablis. This type of glass concentrates the aromas while leaving enough space to appreciate the mineral characteristics of the wine. It's essential not to overfill the wine glass! By leaving space, you allow the wine to air out, express itself fully and reveal all its flavours.
An exceptional white wine for every occasion
This pure expression of Chardonnay makes it a wine that lends itself just as well to moments of relaxation as it does to special occasions. Chablis blends harmoniously with a wide variety of dishes and is a tasty pairing. Simpler wines such as Petit Chablis are perfect as an aperitif or with seafood. Standard Chablis are versatile and go well with fish dishes, poultry in cream sauce and goat's cheese. Chablis Premier Cru is excellent with more elaborate dishes, while Chablis Grand Cru sublimates the most refined dishes. There's a Chablis wine for every moment of your life!