Wines Chablis Dampt Frères - Blanchot - 2021

Dampt Frères' Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot 2021 is a testament to the finesse and subtle complexity that the best sites in Chablis can deliver. Made exclusively from Chardonnay, this Grand Cru emerges from the illustrious Blanchot vineyard, one of the seven celebrated Grand Cru climats lining the right bank of the Serein river. The 2021 vintage is characterised by its tension and elegance, with a notably luminous fruit profile and hallmark minerality. The terroir of Blanchot, with its southeast exposure and the Kimmeridgian limestone-clay soils so typical of the region, imparts an unmistakable saline character and finesse to the wine. Vinification here often privileges the preservation of freshness and purity, with a subtle touch of oak, if used at all, merely to frame the wine rather than dominate it.

The Chablis region lies in the northernmost sector of Burgundy, marked by a cool continental climate that encourages slow ripening and preserves aromatic vibrancy. The history of winemaking here is rich, dating back to Roman times, but it was truly the monks in the Middle Ages who shaped the region’s viticultural identity. The unique geology, particularly the ancient Kimmeridgian soils filled with fossilised marine life, grants Chablis wines their celebrated minerality and razor-sharp precision.

A Grand Cru Chablis like this one pairs superbly with refined seafood, such as turbot with beurre blanc, oysters, or a delicate scallop carpaccio. Classic pairings from Burgundy would include pike quenelles with a light cream sauce or a warm cheese gougère as an elegant aperitif match. The wine’s structure also allows it to accompany roast poultry or veal in a light morel sauce, as its acidity can lift even richer preparations.

For optimal enjoyment, serve chilled but not overly cold, ideally between 11-13°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help reveal its full aromatic complexity, especially in its youth. This Chablis Grand Cru will continue to evolve over the next decade, rewarding careful cellaring with even greater depth and nuance.