The 2019 Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Sainte Claire is the finest value I’ve ever tasted from this esteemed appellation in the northern reaches of Burgundy.
Jean-Marc Brocard founded his estate in 1973, settling in the village of Prehy and building his domaine in the middle of the vineyards of Chablis. Today, he and his son run one of the top estates of the region.
2019 Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Sainte Claire
Classic, bone dry, mineralic Chablis from one of the top producers!
To place your order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Let’s clear up a few things about Chablis before I get into the details of this particular wine. Chablis is a region and it’s located in the northern-most part of Burgundy. Only white wines can be labeled as Chablis and the one and only grape that can be used is Chardonnay. And unlike the rich, creamy and buttery style of Chardonnay that California is often known for, Chablis tends to be bright, high toned, and mineralic.
Producers like Brocard are using Chardonnay as a conduit to express the unique terroir of the region. Most notable are the kimmeridgian soils that give the wines their wonderful purity and intense minerality. These chalky, mineral rich soils used to be covered by the sea. Pick up a handful of this brownish colored dirt and you’re likely to find oyster fossils…..I’m not kidding. And it’s these limestone-based soils that give Chardonnay from Chablis its distinctive character.
And Brocard is a master at allowing his Chardonnay grapes to express this distinctive terroir. And though this is his entry-level wine, there’s nothing entry level about it. From certified organic and biodynamic vineyards, Brocard works with 30+ year old, south facing vines. Fermentation and aging is carried out entirely in stainless steel.
If you’ve never had Chablis, this is a great wine to start with; if you’ve had Chablis and love it, buy at least 6 bottles of this one. I was immediately taken with the deep straw/greenish color of this wine — usually, entry level Chablis is pretty pale. On to the nose — intense, lemon, mango, and chalky minerality. And finally on to the palate — tart, crisp and invigorating. Classic and classy Chablis at the best price in the country.
Tasted blind, I would have guessed this was a $40ish Premier Cru. It’s yet another awesome White Burgundy find and a wonderful wine to enjoy with oysters or fish in creamy, herbal sauces. Or with warmer weather headed our way, enjoy this one not too cold on the porch with a good friend.
To place your order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville