Chablis - a part of Burgundy?

Many wine writers and wine merchants classify Chablis as a part of Burgundy. I just received the latest Parkers wine guide and he does it as well. All of them are correct if you base your classification on the grape used both places, namely the Chardonnay, but it is all just nonsense really because Chablis is not Burgundy.

First of all Chablis is 100 km from the centre of Burgundy, Beaune. Burgundy belongs to Rhone river while Chablis (as Champagne) belongs to the Seine river. Two rivers that runs in opposite directions. In addition look at the soil: Chablis is Upper Jurassic limestone rich with fossils and the Kimmerdige clay which is present in Sancerre and Champagne and not in Burgundy.

This is why Chablis is more minerally, steely, flinty and also sour as compared to the Chardonnay from Burgundy. It is very surprising that the french, so focused on terroir, also make the same error.

Although the appelation system is correct as Chablis and Burgundy are two different AOCs.

Comments

Bordeaux- Le prelat du Ch. Pape Clement 2004

This is one of two second wines of the famous and expensive Ch. Pape Clement in Graves. Although young, 2004, this wine drinks really well already if you put it on carafe a couple of hours before consumption. Dark red colour, with a very attractive smell of blueberries and dark berries, its a full bodied wine with firm but nice tannins that goes best with some food. 2004 although not the best of vintages, keep surprising me with good drinkable wines at affordable prices, because from 2005 and onwards there is a big step up in prices.... Grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon 60% and Merlot 40% Price around 20€ P+

Wine # 2 Blindtasting Ganddal

Deep dark purple colour. Dark berries, cherries and mint chocolate. Full bodied with soft tannins. Reminds me of an Amarone.. A very nice wine indeed. Panel is way out as it is from the Rhone valley. Gigondas 2009 by Guigal Score 17.60 Ca 20€ or 220 NOK

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