The town of Chablis is about one hundred and ten miles south of Paris in the northern-most area of Burgundy, comprising about ten thousand acres of Chardonnay grapes surrounding the town itself...
There is one word for white wine which is more easily recognized than any other, and it is Chablis. Even the sound conjures up visions of elegance and ambiance. The other best known word for white wine is of course Chardonnay, the grape used to make Chablis.
Over the decades there have been wines named chablis which were not only not Chablis, but were not even Chardonnay.
The town of Chablis is about one hundred and ten miles south of Paris in the northern-most area of Burgundy, comprising about ten thousand acres of Chardonnay grapes surrounding the town itself. The soil in the area is lime-rich, which imparts a flinty, mineral taste to the wines made there. The area of Chalk Hill in Sonoma County California has similar soil characteristics which also give their wines that mineral background taste.
I have just recently tasted the 2005 Moillard Vaillons Chablis, and what a terrific bottle of wine it is. It has complex aromas of pear and citrus complemented with hints of spice.
The wine is full-bodied with a light creamy texture wrapped around the flavors of pear and green apple, with the flinty taste that Chablis is famous for. The finish is lush and textured with a slight new oak sensation. This wine is ready to drink right now, and will be for the next two or three years.
We paired this Chablis with skewered garlic and olive oil shrimp cooked on the grill. Shrimp and Chablis, it must be heaven! Of course, the wine will go well with any fowl or seafood dish, but in the hot summer, try it with a grilled chicken salad.
2005 Moillard Vaillons Chablis 1st Cru - $33.99
World Beverage
6190 Highway 400
Cumming, GA 30040
(678) 513-6284