Pale straw-gold color; golden apple, pear, lemon-lime, citrus, honeysuckle, delicate floral notes, minerality on the nose and palate.
Dry; no discernible tannins; bright acidity. Medium body, rich and fruity in the mouth. Pleasant, easy to drink, uncomplicated, delicious. Made in the rich Burgundian style. As is the general custom for Chablis AOC, the wine saw no time in oak. Vibrant fruit with the signal characteristic of a mineral backbone, a product of the ancient Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay soils of the region. 12.5% ABV
Cave des Vignerons de Chablis is a cooperative established in Chablis in 1923. The cooperative includes some 300 growers and is one of the major cooperatives in Chablis. The grapes were vinified at the cooperative’s facility in Chablis, located in the northernmost part of Burgundy, more than 60 miles away from the main wine-producing areas of the Côte d’Or. In fact, Chablis vineyards are closer to the Champaign region than the heart of Burgundy. Chablis is particularly known for dry, unoaked chardonnay, especially in the AOC category.
Chablis wines are classified into four appellations that form a quality hierarchy. The classification is largely based on soil type, vineyard location, and sunlight exposure. Petit Chablis is the entry-point appellation, created in 1944. They are best consumed young and represent around 20% of Chablis production. Chablis AOC, created in 1938, is the backbone of production, representing some 66% of the region’s wine. It is noted for Kimmeridgean soils of limestone, clay, and tiny oyster shells which impart distinctive minerality. It also is famous for easy approachability and food versatility.
Chablis Premier Cru, about 13% of production, and Chablis Grand Cru, just under two percent of production, are the highest levels of quality. They are more structured, many see at least some time in oak, and are suitable for aging, with Chablis Grand Cru capable of 10-15 years. Combining all four types, Chablis makes around 40 million bottles each year, of which almost two-thirds are exported.
Cave des Vignerons de Chablis La Porte d’Or Bourgogne Chardonnay AOC 2023 is good, affordable example of the Chablis AOC classification, by far the largest percentage of the four Chablis classifications. Excellent vintage shows white tree fruits, cleanliness, sharp acidity, and classic minerality. Fresh, lively, friendly, palate pleasing. Pairing—seafood is natural, with oysters the classic, also clams, mussels; grilled sea bass, barramundi with lemon and herbs. Chicken with butter sauces; avoid excessive spice, blackened, or charred preparations. Pork tenderloin with light fruit elements. Cheese—fresh and semi-aged goat cheese, chèvre, humboldt fog, Pennyroyal Laychee; mild, buttery triple-crème cheese, comté. Very versatile—appropriate for an elegant dinner party with multiple courses to casual weekday meals. $14-18
There is no dedicated Cave des Vignerons de Chablis website. General Chablis website:
