Domaine Oudin Chablis 2018

“a perfect example of the Chardonnay grape, and the Chablis region”

Jackson’s Notes: 

Chardonnay gets a bad rap. A lot of people’s first experiences with the grape were of a big, uncontrollably fruity mess–something out of a box or a bag, that tasted like canned fruit. But if you instead had your first Chardonnay from Chablis, chances are it was a much different experience: a wine with real acidity and balance, that tasted good and made an impression. 

Chablis is one of my favorite regions, and the place I take people who have been disillusioned by crummy Chardonnay. Good Chablis bears almost no resemblance to a cheap, mass-market American Chardonnay. Instead of the flavor of oak chips and bananas, Chablis is all about citrus, stone and fresh bread and butter aromas.

This Domaine Oudin Chablis is farmed by the sisters of the same name, who recently took over from their parents, and have converted all their vineyards to organic viticulture. This 2018 Chablis is a perfect example of the Chardonnay grape, and the Chablis region. It’s all there: notes of Meyer lemon, white mushroom and chalky earth. It hits the palate with tangy acidity and generous fruit. This is perfect for food pairing, especially when it comes to seafood or light vegetable and meat dishes.

From importer Jenny & François Selections: In 1988 Jean-Claude Oudin and his wife, Christiane relocated from the suburbs to Christiane’s father’s two-hectare vineyard located near the tiny village of Chichée, just south of Chablis. They have recently retired from making wine and their daughters Nathalie and Isabelle have taken over the winemaking reins. The Oudin sisters now farm 10 hectares of vines, where most of the vines have a south and southwest exposure and are located on the hilltops which surround the village of Chichée, including two premiers crus.