Wine Wednesday on 30a

Name Game
Story By Sarah Murphy Robertson

Chablis developed a bad reputation when large jugs of it were all the rage in the 1980s. Back then wine terminology wasn’t regulated and any blend of generic white wine could be referred to as Chablis. But those imposters are actually nothing like the Chablis produced in Burgundy. Chablis made in this region of France with Chardonnay grapes tends to be light bodied, dry, and very complex. This white wine is aged for a short time in oak barrels but rarely embodies oaky characteristics.

Interestingly, Chablis is one of the best white wines to pair with food. Its crisp mineral notes makes one salivate and it matches beautifully with sushi or simply seasoned grilled fish, but is versatile enough to pair with something richer and denser like a creamy lobster risotto.

We recommend the 2013 Domaine Laroche Saint Martin Chablis. It is reasonably priced; retailing for around $25 a bottle and will surely change any of your preconceptions on Chablis. With hints of spice and dried fruit it is the perfect white wine for serving now as the weather cools at summer’s end. Stop by Chan’s Wine World in Watercolor for a great selection of wine wednesday selections.