# François Martenot Petit Chablis Les Ammonites (2023)

- **Producer:** François Martenot
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** green apple, lemon, grapefruit

## About this wine

François Martenot Petit Chablis Les Ammonites is a dry white wine from the Chablis appellation in Burgundy, France, made from 100% Chardonnay. The 'Les Ammonites' cuvée highlights the distinctive terroir of Petit Chablis, with grapes often sourced from vineyards along the Serene River. The region's soil composition, characterized by Portlandian clay-limestone and Kimmeridgian limestone rich in fossils, plays a crucial role in shaping the wine's identity. Maison François Martenot, with its generational expertise, follows a winemaking philosophy focused on minimal intervention to preserve the authentic characteristics of the land. The 2023 vintage experienced varied weather conditions, resulting in a harvest of good quality and volume.

## Interesting facts

- Named after ancient sea fossils found in the soil.
- Petit Chablis soils are often Portlandian clay-limestone.
- Chablis is Burgundy's northernmost wine region.
- The Serene River influences vineyard locations.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and minerality cut through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its citrus notes complement dishes with lemon or other bright flavors. The clean profile of the wine allows the delicate flavors of shellfish and white fish to be the stars.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for François Martenot Petit Chablis Les Ammonites emphasizes preserving the purity and minerality of the Chardonnay grape. Grapes are typically fermented in stainless steel tanks, a technique that retains the wine's fresh fruit aromas and crisp acidity. Aging also takes place in stainless steel to maintain this vibrant character. The producer's philosophy leans towards minimal intervention, utilizing gravity in the cellar to handle the wine gently. This approach aims to showcase the distinct characteristics imparted by the Chablis terroir, particularly the influence of its unique soil composition.