I recently had a chance to taste through a few bottles of Chablis. Chablis is the most northern part of Burgundy. If you go pick up a bottle from the LCBO it will be Chardonnay (I don’t want to say they only grow Chardonnay because as I learned in Beaujolais there are a lot of isolated vineyards here and there of other varietals). If you love Ontario Chardonnay more than likely you will dig Chablis. The wines tend to be bright and acidity with nice mineral notes.
I think my favorite anecdote about Chablis has to do with the soils on which it is planted. Chablis is a terrific match for seafood in general. But, it is widely regarded as THE oyster wine. The soils in the Chablis region are mainly clay, limestone and fossilized oyster shells. I know the science behind minerality and soil composition is a hot topic for debate. I don’t really care where the mineral flavours come from in the wine… there’s no denying they are there. Regardless of why these wines are such a slam dunk to pair up with Oysters the fact remains that it’s hard to beat that pairing.
2012 Domaine Pinson Frères 1er Cru Montmain – Vintages 340240 – $46.95 – **** – Citrus and Mineral on the nose. The flavours are more mineral driven layered over lemon and lime flavours. There is bright acidity to the finish that pulls a slightly creamy texture right off the palate.
2012 Domaine William Fèvre 1er Cru Les Lys – Vintages 76984 – $49.00 – **** – Nice balance between wood notes, and mineral with lemon poking through. The flavours match the nose with the wood and mineral dominating your palate until the bright citrus and acidity bring up the finish.
2012 La Chablisienne 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre – Vintages 163303 – $39.95 – **** – Fruit driven but still loaded with minerality. Apples, Limes, Lemons are what you’ll find in your glass with a nice creamy texture on the mid palate. Nice acidity and balance to this wine.
