No other grape in the world reveals its roots like Chardonnay from Chablis.
Producers all over the world deliver their own expressions of Chardonnay. Some in the new world try to emulate a Chablis style. But I’ve never come across a Chardonnay outside France that could be confused for a Chablis, and even just 100km down the road, a Chardonnay from the Côte d’Or is a world away.
The region of Chablis is defined by its unique expression of Chardonnay: the chalky, dry minerality; the obvious yet delicate acidity.
So what’s behind this distinctive palate?
As always with wine, the best place to look for answers is where the sun don’t shine. The soil. Or in this case, the chalk. Or more specifically, the Kimmeridgean marl and limestone. It’s grapes planted in these characteristic soils and at their northern-most limit that enables Chablis to deliver the beautifully fresh restrained palate I love.
Chablis had an awesome vintage in 2010 – better even than the celebrated ’08 and ’09 vintages in the region, with all three outperforming their neighbours in the Côte d’Or.
A 3/3-star winery in the eyes of Clive Coates, Tremblay is rated one of the best producers in Chablis. And he’s delivered once again. A soft delicate nose of flowers and white peaches flirts with a dose of flintiness. The palate delivers that stand-out Chablis elegance and minerality followed by a kiss of acidity that lingers for longer than you’d expect from a Chablis AOC.