Only 100 miles south of Paris, Chablis represents the northern limit of Burgundy`s wine regions, centred around the town of Auxerre. The soils are predominantly limestone and chalk, perfect for the Chardonnay grape, the only variety allowed in Chablis.
Chablis, along with Champagne, is the original `cool climate region`, with frost being a common problem. However careful siting of south facing vineyards enables the vignerons to produce classic, dry, and steely wines.
The most complex of these are produced from the seven Grand Cru vineyards which are all located on the northern slopes that overlook the town of Chablis itself, with famous names such as `Les Preuses` and `Grenouilles`.
The Premier Cru vineyards are scattered around Chablis on the slopes of the valleys and here produce excellent quality wines with a little less intensity.