Chablis
[ sha-BLEE; pl. sha-BLEEZ ]
Though the United States, Australia and South Africa all make a wine labeled Chablis, only France creates a true Chablis, made entirely from
CHARDONNAY grapes. Considered one of the world's great white wines, French Chablis has a crisp, dry flavor with a decided flinty quality. It comes from a small area surrounding the town of Chablis, France. The very best French Chablis comes from one of seven grand cru ("great growth") vineyards that lie in a single block facing south and west toward the village. The term grand cru will appear on the labels of these special wines, followed by the name of the vineyard from which it came. Next in excellence are the Chablis labeled premier cru (meaning "first growth"). Others are considered "simple" Chablis or "petit Chablis."
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER'S
COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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