Jean-Paul Benoit Droin Petit Chablis 2024

Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoit Droin has farmed in Chablis for over four hundred years, and this Petit Chablis is its freshest, most direct white. The grapes are Chardonnay grown on the Portlandian limestone of the plateaux above the main Chablis slopes, a harder, less clay-rich stone than the Kimmeridgian of the Grand Crus, which gives a lighter, crisper style. The climate is cool and continental, so the fruit ripens slowly and keeps a high natural acidity that defines the wine. It is fermented and aged in stainless steel with no oak, a method chosen to preserve pure fruit, freshness and the stony character of the site. The colour is pale lemon with a green tint. The nose is bright and clean, showing green apple, lemon and a touch of apricot with white flowers. The palate is dry, light bodied and racy, with citrus and orchard fruit over a crisp, mineral finish that reflects the limestone. This is Chablis in its most refreshing form, made for early drinking. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees.