Collection: Chablis

Chablis at Normanby

Chablis is Chardonnay stripped back to its essentials. Grown at the northern edge of Burgundy, where a cool climate and distinctive limestone-rich soils shape the wines, it has a character quite different from Chardonnay grown further south.

The classic Chablis vineyard sits on Kimmeridgian limestone, a mix of limestone and clay formed from ancient marine sediments. Combined with the region’s cool conditions, it gives wines with naturally high acidity, restrained fruit and the mineral, saline character so closely associated with Chablis. Citrus, green apple and white stone fruit are common when young, developing greater texture and complexity with time in bottle.

The vineyards follow the slopes of the Serein River, with aspect, elevation and soil depth creating significant differences from one site to another. The appellation reflects this through four levels: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. While the hierarchy is useful, the producer and vineyard remain just as important. A well-sited Chablis in thoughtful hands can be considerably more interesting than its classification might suggest.

That idea is central to the Chablis we import at Normanby. Our selection comes from Domaine Dauvissat, Domaine Besson and Domaine Oudin, three growers whose wines allow us to explore Chablis across different vineyards, classifications and approaches to winemaking.

This diversity is particularly interesting in Chablis because relatively small changes in site can have a marked effect on the finished wine. The direction and gradient of a slope influence exposure to sunlight, while soil depth and the balance of limestone and clay affect drainage, vine growth and ultimately the character of the fruit.

Winemaking matters here too. Chablis is often associated with stainless steel and an absence of oak, but the reality is more nuanced. Stainless steel, concrete and older oak can all play a role, as can extended ageing on lees. Used thoughtfully, these vessels build texture and allow the wine to develop without obscuring the character of the vineyard.

This is what makes Chablis fascinating to explore. The grape remains Chardonnay and the geographical area is relatively compact, yet changes in slope, exposition, soil, vine age and élevage can produce remarkably different wines.

Through Dauvissat, Besson and Oudin, our aim is to show some of that detail — from fresh, direct Chablis made to enjoy young through to Premier and Grand Cru wines with the structure and concentration to develop over many years.