France · AOCs
Chablis
Steely, mineral Chardonnay grown on ancient seabed marl.
The coolest, northernmost outpost of Burgundy, Chablis makes Chardonnay that tastes of cold stone and citrus rather than oak. Its Kimmeridgian marl is studded with fossilised oyster shells from a 150-million-year-old sea — growers will tell you that is exactly what you taste. ~5,800 ha. Petit Chablis to Grand Cru on the best south-facing slopes.
The fossil shells are called Exogyra virgula.
ClimateCool continental; spring frost a constant threat
Altitude100-250 m
Grapes
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Soils
Kimmeridgian marlLimestoneFossilised oyster shell
Growers light thousands of candles and burners overnight to save the buds from frost.
