Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 2023

Jean-Paul Benoit Droin farms 26 hectares in Chablis, in the north of Burgundy, working Premier and Grand Cru sites across a lineage that reaches back to the early 17th century. This village Chablis is pure Chardonnay, made without oak and raised on its fine lees to keep the focus on fruit and place. Chablis is defined by its geology. The vineyards sit on Kimmeridgian limestone and marl, a soil laid down in a warm sea and packed with fossilised oyster shells, which growers credit for the wine's distinctive stony, saline character. Set at the cool northern edge of fine wine growing, Chablis ripens Chardonnay slowly and holds high, mineral acidity in the grapes. Fermentation in stainless steel preserves that precision, while time on the lees adds a subtle roundness and a faint nutty depth without softening the line. The colour is a bright pale straw. The nose is precise, with lemon, green apple and white flowers over a clear saline, chalky note. The palate is dry and taut, its high acidity carrying an almost salty, mineral finish. Serve well chilled at 9 to 11 degrees. It is a natural match for oysters, shellfish, white fish and fresh goats cheese.