Chablis is just Chablis, innit? But why are some so much better than others? That was the latest question from Digiboy as we paired oysters with Chablis in a moment of decadence this week.
There may be only one place in the world that makes wine like the French village of Chablis, but there are many different qualities to chose from. It's worth bearing these in mind to give you that that extra push in the desired direction. Time for a Vin-alogy!
An elegant wine deserves an elegant image, so...
Grand Cru - the Stiletto. The greatest type: powerful, complex and capable of years of ageing. Like Jimmy Choos, don't wear them too young; it's a waste and people will just think 'tart!'
Premier Cru - the Kitten Heel. For finesse & fabulous structure, but without quite the weight of Grand Cru. This is your guest-at-a-wedding choice; not for everyday, but still kinda special.
Chablis - the Ballet Pump. Fresh, flinty & elegant with that classic chalky tang. Easy enough for everyday, but a day when trainers just won't do. Drink within 3 years or so of vintage.
Petit Chablis - the Flip Flop. Pleasant enough, light bodied and fragrant. Not exactly sophisticated because... it's a flip flop. It's just a Havaiana flip flop! For early and very easy drinking.
Here are some other cool things you should know about our golden girl, Chablis:
* The grape variety is Chardonnay. Yes, Chardonnay! It's just the cool, lean, elegant Gwyneth Paltrow type as apposed to the big and flouncy, Pamela Anderson kind (See my Chardonnay blog).
* Chablis has a left bank and a right bank - just like Bordeaux.
* Its well-loved, unique chalk-flint and steely style is largely due to the area's distinctive limestone Kimmeridgian soil and the super-cool, climate.
* Straight Chablis is a haven for the anti-oak contingent (although you'll always find an occasional exception).
* It's awesome with white fish and oysters!
Tasting Tour - some easy-to-find, fantastic producers to try:
Billaud-Simon, Dauvissat, William Fevre, Louis Moureau, Jean Durup, Vincent Dampt.
Happy drinking.
Winebird x
