Chablis is a renowned wine region in northern Burgundy, France, located closer to Champagne than to the Côte d'Or, Burgundy’s more famous heartland. Defined by its cool climate and unique Kimmeridgian limestone soil, rich in fossilized oyster shells, Chablis is world-famous for its distinctive Chardonnay wines that emphasize minerality, crisp acidity, and purity of fruit. The region is divided into four quality tiers: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru, with the latter featuring just seven prestigious climats, such as Les Clos and Vaudésir, that produce the most complex and age-worthy wines. Unlike other Burgundian Chardonnay wines, which often see oak aging, classic Chablis is typically vinified in stainless steel to preserve its steely, citrus-driven profile, though some Premier Cru and Grand Cru examples may incorporate subtle oak influence for added texture and depth. With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, when Cistercian monks cultivated vineyards in the area, Chablis remains a benchmark for terroir-driven white wines, prized for their precision, elegance, and ability to age gracefully.
