Viniou Reviews
Union des Viticulteurs de Chablis presents a 2023 Premier Cru Grande Cuvée, a fine example of Chablis’ commitment to crisp, expressive white wines. Produced exclusively from Chardonnay, the hallmark grape of Chablis, this wine benefits from precise vinification that preserves varietal purity and the region’s iconic minerality. The 2023 vintage, with its moderate temperatures and well-timed rainfall, offered ripe, healthy grapes, resulting in a wine with lively acidity, aromatic brightness, and an elegant, textured palate. Grande Cuvée bottlings by Chablis’ reputable producers often showcase a blend of selected parcels, each contributing nuance—think notes of green apple, citrus zest, white flowers, and that unmistakable chalky finish that speaks so clearly of its origins.
Chablis sits at the northernmost tip of Burgundy, exposed to a cool continental climate which helps retain a mouth-watering freshness in its wines. The region is particularly famed for its Kimmeridgian limestone soils—rich in marine fossils—which impart that characteristic flinty, saline edge, and beautiful tension to its Chardonnays. Chablis’ winemaking tradition stretches back to the monks of Pontigny Abbey in the twelfth century, and today, the area remains a benchmark for unoaked, terroir-driven white wines. The Premier Cru sites are nestled on south and south-west facing slopes, enjoying maximum sunlight and offering an extra layer of depth and complexity over standard village wines.
For food pairings, this Chablis Premier Cru is ideally suited to oysters, scallops or prawns served with a touch of citrus butter, as well as richer shellfish dishes such as lobster thermidor or moules marinières. It is equally at home alongside grilled white fish, poached chicken in a delicate cream sauce, or regional classics like gougères or Chablisienne-style escargots. Its fresh acidity and pronounced minerality also complement soft cheeses such as Chaource or goat’s cheese.
To enjoy this wine at its best, serve chilled at 10-12°C. This temperature preserves its crisp structure while allowing the nuanced aromatics and subtle texture to shine. Decanting is rarely necessary, but allowing the wine a little time to breathe in the glass will help unveil its full complexity.
