Included in Amitié Wines Terroir of Chablis Mixed 6-Pack is a fabulous horizontal selection of Chablis premier cru from Marcel et Blanche Févre. Buy Amitié Wines Terroir of Chablis Mixed 6-Pack for a chance to sample some of the best Premier Cru Chablis available side by side to discover distinct differences in terroir. Free shipping! Learn more
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Chablis Overview
Chardonnay Grapes from Chablis, France. Photos courtesy of BIVB/Joël GESVRES
Chablis is located about halfway between Paris and Beaune. It’s proximity to Paris played an important part in it’s history because of how easy it was to transport the desirable wines via the port of Auxerre up to Paris by boat up the Yonne and Seine rivers. The Romans may have been the first to introduce organized growing techniques to the area, but we can credit the Cistercians starting in the 12th century with developing an advanced system of planting and winemaking techniques and identifying the best terroirs suited for Chablis winemaking.
Chablis is 100% Chardonnay and even though it’s made from the same grape varietal as the white burgundies of the Cote de Beaune, it has a distinctly different quality. In general, it is known for a pure, dry and pleasantly acidic mineral taste and (except for some grand crus) is usually vinified in stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels. There are subtle differing qualities present in Chablis as well as each of the 40 Premier Crus and 7 Grand Cru vineyards that occur due to exposure, geologic conditions and winemaking style. The region has quite a chilly spring, which contributes to the fresh quality of the wine.
Chablis Terroir: Geology
Chablis vineyard showing exposed Kimmeridgien rock and soil. Photo courtesy of BIVB/Joël GESVRES.
The limestone and clay soil that Chablis grows in is full of tiny fossilized oyster shells and was formed during the upper Jurassic, or Kimmeridgian period when Chablis was under a shallow ocean. It’s not uncommon for vineyard workers to find fossilized Ammonites or Nautilus, in addition to the smaller oyster shells in the mineral-rich soil.
[gap height=”15px”]Notable Chablis Premier Crus from Amitié Wines
Situated right next to the grand crus is Chablis Premier Cru Vaulorent. Officially part of Fourchaume, Vaulorent has it’s own fine qualities that are more similar to a grand cru than Fourchaume. Try Marcel et Blanche 1er Cru Vaulorent to experience the elegance of Chablis Grand Cru at a greater value.
Chablis vineyards planted in rocky Kimmeridgean soil. Photo courtesy of BIVB/Joël GESVRES.
Côte de Léchet will become more and more celebrated in the years to come. It has great sun exposure and pebble filled soil, making the vines struggle deep to reach nourishment. Look for strong floral minerality with an easy, more honey fruit finish. Domaine Sébastien Dampt makes a fabulous, critically acclaimed Côte de Léchet from inherited Dampt family vineyards planted over 50 years ago.
Les Vaillons has an east-south exposure with rich geologic history. The vines must struggle through quite a deep layer of Kimmeridgian soil full of the typical tiny oyster shells. The wines are known for finesse and minerality and age very well. See what Jancis Robinson says about the Domaine Sébastien Dampt 2012 Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons.
Hard work in the vineyard.
Mont de Milieu Premier Cru is one of our personal favorites. Located on the southern border of the Grand Cru Chablis, the vineyards are situated on the right bank of the Serein, giving southern exposure for excellent ripening. One of the most well known Premier Crus from Chablis, the Marcel et Blanche Fèvre 2013 Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu is one of the excellent range of wines produced by the Fèvre family.
Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume, one of the most noted Chablis Premier crus, originates from vineyards situated on long slopes facing the sunrise, allowing rapid soil warm up. This helps bring maturity to the ripening grapes. Try the Marcel et Blanche Fèvre 2013 Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume to get a sample of the great mineral, fruit forward flavors known to come from Fourchaume.
[gap height=”30px”]Marcel et Blanche Fèvre
An homage to Marcel Fèvre (b. 1876) – a visionary who developed the Fèvre estate in Chablis with passion in the vineyards; a philosophy that has been passed down to grandson Gilles Fèvre and noted winemaker Nathalie Fèvre. Their passion for perfection is evident in their beautiful wines.
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