September’s Superstar Wine of the Month

To experience ‘terroir’ in a glass of wine I suggest you try one my favourite whites, Chablis, or “Chardonnay from the North”.   In particular, try the Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 2012.

The Chablis wine region is considered to be the Burgundy Golden Gate notwithstanding the fact that its specific geographical, geological and climatic conditions have more in common with Champagne than Burgundy.

Without doubt the Chablis region is cold: snow in winter and frequent spring frosts are the main hazards for its Chardonnay vines. Located along the small Serein river valley, vineyards are planted on gentle slopes of marly layers alternating with small calcareous banks, and this peculiar soil – known as Kimmeridgean soil – is composed of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster shells. In opposition to the Burgundy wine making style which prefers oak fermentation and maturation to create rounder and more mouth filing Chardonnay, Chablis is less about oak and more about ‘terroir’, which provides the crispness and precise austere flavour profile of its wines. For that, the traditional winemaker prefers the use of steel neutral vessels to enhance the natural acidity displayed by the Chardonnay variety in this area.

Chablis is renowned for its mineral refreshing high acidity which is hard to find in Chardonnay produced elsewhere in the world. Although this character is the most important appealing note for connoisseurs, some producers have adapted their production to the new trends, replacing stainless steel tanks with oak fermentation trying to soften the acidity and make the Chablis more palatable for most of consumers.

Try it for yourself!

Posted on 13th August 2013 by Simona