Given the scarcity of Chablis currently being imported in to Australia, we at United Cellars continue to buy whatever we can from the top producers the very second they make their way through customers. While some 2022 wines are starting to appear, it’s still predominantly the 2021 vintage that is arriving so we thought we’d have a good look at that vintage and detail some of the highlights.
A Tale of Weather and Terroir:
The 2021 growing season in Chablis began with a mild and wet winter, ensuring ample water reserves in the vineyards. The spring brought optimal weather conditions, including warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, which facilitated an early bud break and flowering. However, the region experienced a few episodes of frost, which led to significant vineyard losses. Nonetheless, the majority of the vineyards remained unscathed, benefiting from the region's unique Kimmeridgian soils, rich in limestone and fossilized marine shells.
Summer & Harvest:
The summer of 2021 in Chablis was marked by warm days and cool nights, creating ideal conditions for the gradual ripening of the grapes. The diurnal temperature variation helped to preserve the grapes' acidity and promote the development of complex flavours. Additionally, a notable absence of significant heatwaves prevented excessive grape ripening, ensuring the preservation of the signature freshness and minerality that define Chablis wines.
Harvest took place in September, with the winemakers carefully selecting the optimal moment for each vineyard plot. This meticulous approach enabled them to harvest grapes with balanced sugar levels and vibrant acidity, setting the stage for the production of exceptional wines.
Tasting the 2021 Chablis Wines:
The 2021 vintage in Chablis showcases wines that embody the region's classic elegance, with their characteristic minerality and crisp acidity. The wines exhibit a beautiful balance of fruit, freshness, and complexity, making them particularly enticing for both early enjoyment and long-term ageing.
Premier Cru wines: The Premier Cru wines of Chablis 2021 exhibit enhanced depth and complexity. Alongside the citrus and green fruit notes, there are subtle hints of white flowers, flint, and a touch of salinity. These wines possess remarkable tension and balance, showcasing the influence of the unique terroir.
Grand Cru wines: The Grand Cru wines of Chablis 2021 represent the pinnacle of excellence. With their exceptional concentration and complexity, they reveal layers of flavours, including ripe stone fruits, honeyed nuances, and a distinctive minerality. These wines display a harmonious interplay of richness and freshness, promising an excellent aging potential.
The 2021 vintage in Chablis was certainly down in production volumes though has delivered wines that capture the essence of the region's unique terroir and showcase the artistry of its winemakers. Despite the challenges posed by frost episodes, the favourable weather conditions during the growing season allowed the grapes to reach optimum ripeness while retaining their hallmark acidity and minerality. As these wines continue to mature in the bottle, they are expected to further develop their complexity, offering wine enthusiasts a delightful journey of discovery. Whether enjoyed in their youth or cellared for future enjoyment, the 2021 Chablis vintage is a testament to the enduring quality and timeless appeal of this esteemed wine region.
