CHABLIS. LE DIFFERENCE.

At a dinner party recently as the host generously poured everybody another glass of Chablis Premier Cru I wondered how much Chablis was opened over a typical weekend. No matter, the bottom line is that Chablis is a French favourite, especially with the ladies, one of whom then whispered, “what’s the difference between Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru Chablis?” 

Let’s start at the beginning. The Chablis vineyards are the most northerly of the illustrious Burgundy region in eastern France where, as Chablis only produces white wines, Chardonnay is king.

The vineyards lie on limestone soils at a very chilly, 48 degrees latitude North so slopes and sunshine are critical.

Overlooking the small town of Chablis, the 7 Grand Crus plots (Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Preuses, Valmur and Vaudesir) produce top quality wines from the steepest, sunniest slopes. 

There are also 40 Premier Cru plots producing excellent quality grapes on well positioned, sunny slopes whilst the ‘straight’ Chablis vineyards are on good but less sunny slopes, producing good quality grapes and hence, good quality wines.

 Differences can also be seen in the cool cellars. Chablis rarely sees oak barrel ageing whilst Grand Cru will be aged in oak, sometimes new oak.

Another difference is that whereas Chablis in made for early drinking, Grand Cru being the biggest, richest, most complex Chablis is ideally drinking after about 10 years, but can mature in the bottle for up to 25 years! 

You often see very young Grand Cru on restaurant wine lists. Quick tip; it’s not ready for drinking so go for Premier Cru and save 50 quid t’boot.  

So there we have it, ‘le difference’. At your favourite wine shelf ‘straight’ Chablis will be about £20, Premier Cru about £30 and Grand Cru about £50. That’s the other difference. The price tag!

I hear that a question in your next pub quiz is, “name the 7 Chablis Grand Cru’s”. Seven easy points!