3.1 Chablis

Question 1

What are the main grape varieties cultivated in Burgundy?

Answer 1

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

These grapes are known for producing high-quality wines.

Question 2

List the main regions of Burgundy.

Answer 2

• Cote d’Or
• Côte Chalonnaise
• Mâconnais
• Beaujolais

The Cote d’Or itself is divided into Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.

Question 3

What is the geographical span of Burgundy?

Answer 3

A narrow strip of land between Dijon in the north and Mâcon in the south, approximately 130km long.

Question 4

What percentage of plantings in the Yonne department is Chardonnay?

Answer 4

80%

Yonne includes the Chablis region.

Question 5

What is the climate of Chablis like?

Answer 5

Cool continental climate: cold winters and warm summers.

Question 6

What are the primary characteristics of Chablis wines?

Answer 6

• Nose: green fruit and lemon
• Taste: dry, high acidity, medium alcohol, medium body

Oak may be absent or minimal.

Question 7

What historical event significantly impacted Chablis wine production in the 19th century?

Answer 7

Phylloxera outbreak, leading to a reduction in plantings.

Question 8

What are the different classifications of Chablis wines?

Answer 8

• Petit Chablis
• Chablis
• Chablis Premier Cru
• Chablis Grand Cru

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The main soil type in Chablis is _______.

Answer 9

Kimmeridgian soil

This soil contains fossilized seashells.

Question 10

What are the common threats to vineyards in Chablis?

Answer 10

• Hail
• Spring frost
• Fungal diseases

Question 11

What is the main method of harvest in Chablis vineyards?

Answer 11

Machine picked, with hand-picking in Grand Cru vineyards.

Question 12

What is the significance of the term ‘lieu-dit’ in Chablis?

Answer 12

A named piece of land in the centralized land register.

Question 13

True or False: Chablis Grand Cru accounts for 1% of the production.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

What are the primary fermentation methods used in Chablis winemaking?

Answer 14

• Fermentation in stainless steel
• Some use of oak for Grand Cru and Premier Cru

Chaptalization is allowed to legal limits in all but warmer years.

Question 15

What is the role of the ‘Syndicat de Défense de l’Appellation de Chablis’?

Answer 15

Combats fraud and environmental issues.

Question 16

List the countries where Chablis wines are primarily exported.

Answer 16

• UK
• USA
• Japan
• Sweden
• Canada

Question 17

What are the benefits of using sprinklers in Chablis vineyards?

Answer 17

To protect against spring frost and maintain moisture levels.

Question 18

What vineyard management practices are used to reduce damage from spring frosts?

Answer 18

Later pruning promotes later budburst.

Question 19

What is the average rainfall in Chablis, and how does it affect the vineyards?

Answer 19

670mm spread throughout the year; creates a moist climate with a high threat of fungal diseases.

Question 20

What is the main advantage of early ripening Chardonnay in Chablis?

Answer 20

It helps to mitigate the uncertainty about ripening due to the cool climate.

Question 21

Define ‘climat’ in the context of Chablis.

Answer 21

A named vineyard fixed in AOC legislation.