Petit-Chablis

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On both sides of the Serein Valley, the Petit-Chablis AOC was established in 1944. It forms one of the outer rings of the Chablis region, in the Yonne department. Wines bearing this appellation may be produced in all the communes of the Chablis wine region.

Petit-Chablis wines offer aromas of white flowers blended with citrus notes against a mineral backdrop. Hints of peach and white fruits are sometimes present. The palate is generally lively and light, with balanced acidity. This lively attack gives way to a pleasant roundness. Its briny character is typical of the region. Its richness combines with its freshness to offer the palate a lingering and perfectly composed sensation. Petit-Chablis is best enjoyed young, but waiting two years is ideal. Petit-Chablis enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the wines offered by Domaine William Fèvre or La Chablisienne.

Le Petit Chablis: a great white wine

Petit Chablis white wine holds an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation. It is a wine originating from the northern part of Burgundy. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this wine has a bright, pale gold color. Green highlights can be seen.

On the nose, the Petit Chablis offers aromas of white flowers such as acacia and hawthorn, combined with citrus notes: grapefruit and lemon. A mineral undertone enhances this symphony of subtle flavors. It is not uncommon to detect hints of white fruits such as peach.

On the palate, Petit Chablis offers a lively yet light character—a subtle combination! It then reveals a pleasant roundness on the palate. Its rich texture leaves a lingering, utterly delightful fruity sensation. Iodine-like aromas are another hallmark of Petit Chablis, which thrives in vineyards located far from the coast.

Petit Chablis is a dry white wine that falls into the category of still wines—that is, wines that do not produce bubbles when the bottle is opened. There is no fermentation stage.

Perfect pairings with Petit Chablis

The briny notes of this Petit Chablis white wine pair perfectly with seafood. It’s also an excellent choice to accompany goat cheese, a fruity Gruyère, or even a bold Gouda. Petit Chablis can be served as an aperitif or paired with summer salads that subtly blend fresh greens and crisp fruit.

The ideal serving temperature for a Petit Chablis is 13°C. For wine lovers, we recommend enjoying it in a Burgundy white wine glass. Pour no more than 10 cl so you can fully appreciate every nuance and aroma of the Petit Chablis.

Geographical features and climatic conditions

Petit Chablis white wine is produced from grapes grown in the Chablis and Grand Auxerrois regions. The total area under cultivation reached 1,100 hectares in 2018.

The vineyards thrive on the upper slopes or at the edge of the plateau, at an average altitude of between 230 and 280 meters, on either side of the lush Serein Valley. The soil is calcareous or loamy, and sandy in some places.

In terms of climate, this valley enjoys a temperate oceanic climate with continental influences. The amount of sunshine in the Chablis vineyards is slightly below the national average.

The Petit Chablis AOC

This Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) has existed since 1944. It encompasses vineyards located on both sides of the Serein Valley, in the Yonne department. Petit Chablis shares its terroir with other AOCs, such as Chablis Grand Cru and Village Chablis Premier Cru.

Among all Chablis wines, Petit Chablis accounts for about 19% of production. It also holds the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label.

For more information, visit the website at Petit-Chablis