If you tasked me with finding you the top Chablis value in the world, I wouldn't have to look too long or hard. The brilliant, crisp, and mineral-focused Chablis made by father and son Laurent and Camille Schaller is the one I'd give you.
Mark my words, in the next 5 years, they will undoubtedly be ranked as one of Chablis’ all-star estates. They are beginning to garner positive praise from top critics and indie wine shops throughout the world, and that is because their Chablis both high quality and value-priced....for now at least....
Chablis is the most northern of the Burgundy appellations, and the wines of the region are the muse for un-oaked, focused, and mineral-driven Chardonnay. I love to hear the reaction of tasters when they try Chablis for the first time -- what I hear most is "this doesn't taste like Chardonnay." I explain to them that it DOES taste like Chardonnay, but in its most "natural state."
For many years, the Schaller family grew and sold grapes to the local cooperative. This all changed in 2013 when Camille graduated from enology school -- the following year, the Schallers released their first estate-grown wines. Camille slowly steered the winery to new qualitative heights, attaining organic certification in 2016 and ending their contracts with the coop the following year.
Like I said earlier, this is a winery and a winemaker to watch, and when you taste this wine, you’ll understand my excitement! The nose is pure and pristine, classic Chablis. Lemon, pear, green apple, white flowers, orange zest, and liquid rock are all present, and it’s just as pleasing on the palate. With focused acidity and bright and juicy flavors of citrus and stone fruits, white flowers, lemon zest, and chalky, stony minerality, this is prototypical Chablis.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
