On a warm summer day, I decided to take a trip to my local wine shop and look for something new to try other than my usual go-to white wine. As I walked into the shop, I found myself drawn to the French wine section. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was looking for, but the French wine labels always held a certain fascination for me. I knew I wanted a white wine so that narrowed down my options considerably. For anyone who shops the French wine aisle at their favorite wine shop, you know the labels can hold some mystery if you’re not versed in French wine “language”. Deciding which Appellation du Origine Controlée to gravitate towards can be mind-boggling to the novice. I certainly don’t consider myself proficient in the world of French wine, but I have just enough knowledge to confuse the heck out of myself! So, with a bit of knowledge about the varietals, I decided to peruse the Chablis section. I prefer dry white wine with acidity and minerality, so Chablis seemed like the perfect fit.

Here are some facts about Chablis:

• It’s a wine region in the northern part of the Burgundy region of France.
• There are 4 Classifications of Chablis: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. Each brings a slightly different variation to Chablis.
• Chablis is 100% made from the Chardonnay grape. It is typically aged in stainless steel as opposed to oak.
• Chablis can be described as one of the “purest” expressions of Chardonnay. It is grown in a cooler climate so some of its characteristics are: acidity, minerality or “gunmetal”, and can have tart, citrus notes. It also may have a salty, sea spray aspect to its aftertaste. As it ages, it may take on more honey notes.
• Younger, more lively Chablis should be decanted and served 30 minutes after removing it from the refrigerator, while older Chablis should never be decanted before drinking.
• History: Chablis has been around since the Middle Ages but the Cistercian monks built Chablis into a major winemaking region.

So, armed with what I already knew, I decided to try a bottle of French Chablis. Why not? I like to experiment and this seemed like a wine that I would truly enjoy. I grabbed a bottle from Domaine Long-Depaquit, winemaker Albert Bichot. I was excited to try something new. I love the Pinot Noir from Burgundy so, I was hopeful for a white to expand my palate.

When I got home, I opened the bottle and got my food pairing ready. Chablis pairs really well with oysters, shellfish, white fish (any type) sushi, and even a clam pizza!

*Side note: I love a good clam pizza. Pepe’s in New Haven, Connecticut makes the best!

Chablis can also enhance a chicken dish. As an appetizer, serve it with Brie, Camembert, any soft cheese, or try goat cheese.

I was having Brie with crackers for a snack with a shrimp dish for dinner. Chablis was delicious and a perfect companion! It added a zing of citrus to my meal. I had found a new white wine to add to my list of favorites!

Try Chablis the next time you’re looking for a different white wine. Go to your neighborhood wine shop and ask them about their Chablis selection. They will be able to direct you to one that I hope you’ll enjoy!

Cheers!