Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin’s Chablis Grand Cru “Grenouilles” 2015 stands as an exemplary expression of Chardonnay from one of Chablis’ most fabled terroirs. The 2015 vintage benefited from a warm, sun-drenched season, producing ripe, concentrated grapes while still allowing the hallmark acidity to shine through. Grenouilles, one of the seven Chablis Grand Cru climats, is celebrated for its complex combination of finesse and richness. The Droin family is known for their precise vinification: minimal intervention, judicious use of oak, and a profound respect for letting the vineyard’s character express itself. The result is a wine that combines depth, mineral tension, and remarkable length, featuring notes of citrus, white flowers, green apple, wet stone, and with a touch of toasted hazelnut from careful ageing.
Chablis lies in the northern sector of Burgundy, an area marked by its cool continental climate and its unique Kimmeridgian marl soils, rich in fossilised marine life. This terroir imparts a distinctive mineral crispness, often described as “flint” or “oyster shell,” to the wines. The region’s history dates back to Roman times, and Chablis has long been revered for white wines of purity and longevity. The Grand Cru vineyards, all situated on the right bank of the Serein River, enjoy optimal sun exposure, which, even in warmer years like 2015, allows for balanced ripening and elegance.
Pairing wise, this Grand Cru Chablis shines with refined seafood dishes such as lobster with tarragon butter, seared scallops, or turbot in a delicate beurre blanc. Regional specialities like Burgundy escargots or Chablis-style poached eggs (“à la Chablisienne”) also make for inspired matches. For something classic, try it with fine, mature goat cheeses or oysters, allowing the wine's minerality to echo the salinity of the sea.
To best appreciate its aromatic complexity and subtle structure, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally between 12-14°C. Decanting for half an hour before tasting will help open up its layers, especially given its youthful vibrancy and potential for further ageing.
