This northernmost region of the Burgundy is known for its excellent white wines, Chablis is an enclave between Paris and Beaune, in the Département Yonne. Its northern position with its rough climate, cold winters with snow and frost until February, means many risks for wine-growing. The vines are sprayed with water in the Spring. The ice that it becomes works as frost-protection. Sometimes they are also heated with fire-place type heaters.
The soil is limestone-clay and deposited oyster-shells. In the limestone which is a little farther away, the wines lose some of their typical character. Only dry white wines are made. In its early years it shimmer green and has a hard freshness. It is processed in oak barrels, and there gets its body.
There are four quality classes in Chablis:
1. Grand Cru; The best wines from excellent yards have potential for longevity
2. Premier Cru; The wines from this class have lower alcohol content.
3. Chablis; This AOC name covers dry, clean, fruity wines.
4. Petit Chablis; This rarely used name is for wines that were grown on non-limestone soil.
The only type that isn't allowed to be used for Chablis wines is the Chardonnay, which is also called Beaunois. Small amounts of other vines are also cultivated. The wines are processed in high-grade steel and email-tanks, only rarely in oak barrels.
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