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LA CHABLISIENNE
Known as one of wine’s most underestimated treasures, Chablis is said to be one of the purest expressions of Chardonnay in the world. With vines planted on Kimmeridge clay, it is the soil that gives Chablis wines their extraordinary high-acid, mineral characteristics. Founded in 1923, La Chablisienne produces an extensive and renowned line-up of Chablis wines. Accounting for about 25% of the region’s vineyard acreage, the stalwart producer is not just famous for the vast volume of wine it produces, but also for consistently setting new benchmarks for quality and style. By producing wines in small lots with meticulous care, La Chablisienne carries out production in a way much more typical of smaller, artisan producers.
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2015 CHABLIS 1ER CRU MONTMAINS
Made from southeast facing, Premier Cru vineyards on the left bank of the Serein River, the 2015 offering from La Chablisienne is a magnificent example of Montmains’ and Buteaux’s climate and rich terroir. Limpid and brilliant wine with pale yellow colour. The bouquet opens with a blend of white-fleshed fruit and white flower aromas, followed by hints of vanilla. Upon opening, it offers fine, elegant mineral notes that come from the limestone terroir of Chablis. The overall effect is refined and lingering. The palate is well-balanced between enjoyable acidity and flinty minerality. Its incredible length leads to a finish of white-fleshed fruit flavours.
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WITH FOOD
The ripe, white fruit and fresh acidity make this Chardonnay an ideal pairing for fish, many types: grilled, fried, broiled, shell, trout, cod, bass, and halibut. Montmains also easily works with snails, chicken, quail, and squab. To showcase the nuances and layers of Montmains, try a simple, butter-grilled fish with fennel. Chablis’ bracing acidity and salinity beautifully complements oysters, raw fish, and sushi. Regarding spice and flavour profiles, think: fresh herbs. Best to save those intense, spicy recipes for a Riesling.
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RECIPE IDEAS
Poached Cod with Potatoes and Leeks
Herb-and-Lemon-Roasted Chicken
Oysters on the Half Shell – Crack, Slurp, Repeat: How To Shuck an Oyster
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EXPERT OPINION
“Rich, dense, powerful nose. Broad, rich and quite powerful on the palate, it shows concentrated fruit with nutty notes, followed by a slightly austere mineral finish. A wine that shows personality. Drinking Window: 2018-2026.” –Stephen Brook, decanter.com
91 / 100 Points
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Producer: La Chablisienne
Wine: Chablis 1ER Cru Montmains
Origin: Burgundy, France
Vintage: 2015
LCBO #: 265090
Price: $34.95
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