The Chablis appellation is located in Burgundy, roughly halfway between the Côte d'Or and Paris. The Chablis wine-growing region is centered around the village of Chablis itself, which serves as the historical and geographical heart of the appellation. It extends along the valleys of the Serein, a small tributary of the Yonne, which flows through the vineyards and contributes to the region's diverse microclimates.
The Chablis vineyards are located on gentle hills, at altitudes generally varying between 150 and 250 meters above sea level. The region enjoys a continental climate with cold winters, hot summers and moderate rainfall. The Chablis terroir is strongly influenced by its geological characteristics, in particular the Kimmeridgian soil. This soil, millions of years old, is made up of layers of limestone and clay, dotted with small spiral-shaped marine fossils called exogyra virgula.
The Chablis appellation was established in 1938 and is divided into four classification levels: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis Grand Cru. The appellation comprises over 40 different climats, including 40 for Chabli Premier Cru and 7 for Chabli Grand Cru. Chablis wine is made exclusively of Chardonnay (100%) and it’s the only grape variety permitted in this appellation.
Chablis AOC wines are always dry, with classic Chablis characteristics of crisp acidity, fine minerality and fresh citrus and orchard fruit flavors. However, Chablis AOC wines can vary in style, from fruity to savory, from light to moderate in body, and from simple to complex. Vineyards on the outskirts of the Chablis region are typically classified as Petit Chablis AOC - it represents 19% of all wines produced in Chablis. Petit Chabli is a light wine with citrus and white flower aromas. Chablis Premier Cru is at the upper end of the Burgundy quality scale. The wines come from the "best" sites within Chablis and are generally more "fleshed out", with complex acidity, minerality and flavors. AOC Chablis Grand Cru is the ultimate quality, produced on 7 climates considered to be the best of the best and representing only 1% of Chablis production.
Among the best-known estates in this appellation: Domaine Olivier Morin, Domaine Billaud-Simon, Domaine Albert-Bichot, Domaine Duplessis, Domaine Chenevieres and Maison Louis Jadot.