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Meet the beloved French wine that will transform your summer dining
Discover why a glass of Chablis is the ideal pairing for all the vibrant, zesty dishes the warm weather brings
From light leafy salads to juicy grilled seafood, many of our favourite recipes at this time of year call for a crisp white wine. And if you’re looking for a quintessential summer tipple for your next soirée, you can always rely on Chablis.
Hailing from the northernmost vineyards of Bourgogne, formerly known as Burgundy, Chablis is fresh, fruity and mineral-driven. Accessible and versatile, it's simply a white wine made from chardonnay grapes, produced in a wide variety of styles. The region’s unique terroir, marked by ancient limestone soils and a cool semi-continental climate, gives Chablis wines their unmistakable flavour and elegance.
Always the right pairing
Whatever your summer plans may be, there’s a Chablis wine for every dish or occasion. Each type has its own distinct qualities to consider when finding the right flavour pairings. For instance, if you’re packing some nibbles for a picnic in the park, Petit Chablis is always a good choice, as its light, bright freshness helps tame the richness of homemade quiches, savoury pastries or creamy salads.
Alternatively, next time you’re hosting a barbecue, a classic Chablis works wonderfully with grilled fish or spiced dishes, such as tandoori chicken kebabs. Try serving a raw asparagus salad on the side, as the wine’s deep minerality will cut through the vegetable’s natural bitterness. Meanwhile, an aromatic bottle of Chablis Premier Cru pairs beautifully with richer seafood, like lobster or scallops, making it terrific for an al fresco date night in the garden.
Choose your Chablis
Fancy a glass of Chablis? Here are three wine suggestions for your meals this summer.
Petit Chablis, 2022, Maison François Martenot – £16.75 from Ocado
With fruity notes of orange blossom, lime and grapefruit, this Petit Chablis offers a lovely freshness that’s fabulous for serving alongside a platter of cold antipasti meats, soft cheeses and tangy pickled veg. Or if you’re feeling fancy, it tastes just as delicious with oysters and sushi.
Chablis, 2023, Domaine Des Malandes – £24 from Laithwaites
You can’t go wrong with this fine mineral-fresh Chablis with notes of green apple and intense lemon. It’s great with a wide range of seasonal dishes but is especially delicious with chicken. So, you could enjoy it with a classic caesar salad, creamy Tuscan chicken or a summery spin on a Sunday roast, served with herby potatoes and sautéed greens.
Chablis Premier Cru, Fourchaume, 2023, Maison Albert Bichot – £36 from Waitrose
This Chablis Premier Cru is rich, intense and extremely elegant, with the perfect balance of fruitiness, crisp acidity and mineral notes. Try it with meaty seafood, such as scallops and prawns, or raw, marinated or grilled fish. If you’re serving it with a starter, it will pair particularly well with the bold, citrussy flavours of ceviche.