The Chablis region produces some of the most distinctive wines made out of Chardonnay. Even “village” level wines from good producers have a unique charm and minerality.

Petit Chablis is also an appellation that makes dry white wines from Chardonnay. It covers vineyards not included in the standard Chablis, and Chablis (Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru). If you want to geek out another difference is the soil type, Petit Chablis is produced from vineyards planted in Portlandian soils, while Chablis (Grand Cru and Premier Cru) is mainly in Kimmeridgian soils. The soil type is a key factor behind the Chablis hierarchies, even though the difference is subtle, is all about location location location.

Most of Petit Chablis vineyards are located on the plains. Although as a general rule, the poor, thin soils of the slopes produce wines with more character good Chablis can be made from fruit frown on the plains in the hands of a good producer.

Here you can find great quality wines at more affordable prices like this 2018 from #VincentDauvissat

René & Vincent Dauvissat, along with François Raveneau, are unquestionably among Chablis’ greatest producers, owning some of the oldest and best vineyards, including prized sections of the grand crus, Les Clos and Les Preuses.

Producer: Since 1931, Dauvissat has been selling wine under their own label and they remain one of Chablis’ great traditionalists. As the torch has been passed down from generation to generation, little has changed here. If anything, the wines have become increasingly profound since Vincent Dauvissat joined his father, René, in the 1970s.

Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Production: Vincent prefers natural farming, using vine treatments sparingly, if at all. The fruit is harvested by hand and not de-stemmed; fermentation is part in enameled steel vats and part in wood, and all aging is in six to eight-year-old barrels.

Dauvissat has always aged their wines in barrel, believing that this allows the wine to breathe during the élévage.

Tasting Notes: If you are looking for a crisp, lean but still with some weight Chardonnay, try this wine as it’s a beautiful, creamy wine endowed with terrific nuances and complexity, especially at this level. Almond, dried pear and floral notes grace the exquisite, midweight finish. The perfect introduction to such a distinctive wine by one of the best producers of the region.

This is a delicate wine, it will go great with oysters, sashimi and other fish dishes. You can also sip on it on a hot day or have it with light cheeses.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Sub-Region: Chablis

Appellation: Petit Chablis AOC/AOP

Department: Yonne

Communes of Production: Beine, Béru, Chablis, La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, Chemilly-sur-Serein, Chichée, Collan, Courgis, Fleys, Fontenay-près-Chablis, Lignorelles, Ligny-le-Châtel, Maligny, Poilly-sur-Serein, Préhy, Villy, Viviers

Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Primary Soil Type: Portlandian soils (slightly younger than Kimmeridgian soils). Crafts high acidity wines with broader, less chiseled flavors than Kimmeridge soid.

Climate: Continental, influenced by the Atlantic.

AOC Established: 1944 (last updated 2011)

Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chablis_wine

https://www.guildsomm.com/research/compendium/w/france/612/petit-chablis-aop

https://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-petit+chablis

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Court of Master Sommelier studying material

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