# Les Vignerons de Chablis Petit Chablis (2023)

- **Producer:** Union des Viticulteurs de Chablis (La Chablisienne)
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, apple, pear, blossom, cream

## About this wine

Produced by the historic Union des Viticulteurs de Chablis (La Chablisienne), this Petit Chablis represents the collaborative effort of over 250 grower-members in northern Burgundy. Sourced by the C&C Group, this wine showcases the unique Portlandian clay-limestone soils of the high plateaus overlooking the Serein valley. Established in 1923, the cooperative is renowned for its technical precision and consistency, offering an authentic and accessible gateway into the cool-climate terroir of Chablis.

## Interesting facts

- Unlike Chablis AOC's Kimmeridgian soils, Petit Chablis is grown on younger Portlandian clay-limestone, yielding a more fruit-driven style.
- The wine is crafted by La Chablisienne, a legendary cooperative founded in 1923 that manages over 25% of the entire Chablis region.
- Growers in this cool climate must battle severe spring frosts using heaters, paraffin candles, and water aspersion to protect the buds.

## Food pairing

This wine's high, electric acidity and saline finish make it a natural partner for fresh seafood and shellfish, cutting through briny and delicate flavors. Its light-to-medium body pairs beautifully with lean proteins and fresh cheeses without overpowering them, while the absence of oak ensures it won't clash with subtle herbal or citrus elements in a dish.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process is designed to preserve the ultimate purity of the Chardonnay grape. Grapes are harvested from sustainably farmed vineyards and fermented at cool, controlled temperatures (18°C–20°C) exclusively in stainless steel vats. To maintain its crisp, vibrant character, the wine undergoes absolutely no oak contact. Following fermentation, it is aged for several months on its fine lees in stainless steel to introduce a subtle roundness and texture before being fined with vegan-friendly bentonite and bottled.