Chablis: Soils

Question 1

What is the soil type which defines the following regions?
1. Chablis AOP
2. Chablis Premier Cru AOP
3. Chablis Grand Cru AOP

Answer 1

They all are located on top of Kimmeridgian marl. From the late Jurassic Epoch.
A mixture of limestone and clay laced with millions of oyster fossils, Kimmeridgian marl is visible in hillside outcrops around the village of Chablis, and soils derived from it are believed to produce higher quality wines.

Question 2

What is the soil type for Petit Chablis AOP?

Answer 2

Portlandien Limestone
On the elevated plateaus above the hillsides Kimmeridgian marl is buried under Portlandien limestone, a younger rock strata and a purer form of limestone. Petit Chablis, typically the simplest wine, is produced from these cooler, wind-exposed sites situated on Portlandien limestone.

Question 3

What is the importance of these soil types and how they affect the final wine?

Answer 3

Kimmmeridgian marl: The wines of Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Grand Cru are all grown on this soil type and are often thought to express a particular crushed seashell and saline quality due to the soil. Also, Kimmeridigian marl is thought to be superior to the Portlandien Limestone but some experts believe it ultimately comes down to the particular aspect of the vineyard rather than the soil type.