Chablis - biodynamic
On Monday we had a perfect, relaxing day in Chablis. We took the scenic route there via some gorgeous little villages, with some amazing views across the fields, peppered with the shade from woodland. As we dipped down into Chablis, the stunning, steep-sided slopes of the vineyards rose into view.
It is such a pretty little town, located along the Serein river. Full of colour, with beautifully planted flower boxes at every turn. There are interesting strolls through narrow alleyways and along the river banks of the Serein, with its winding arteries quietly meandering through the town.
We wandered deeper into its streets, admiring some of the old stone architecture. We walked around by the church, stopping to view its amazing door covered in horse shoes, and spied lots of doorways that were oozing with character. They are clearly all very ancient, and it makes you wonder of the stories they could tell.
We headed to Hostellerie des Clos where we had booked a table for lunch. We settled in under the shade of umbrellas, nestled in the courtyard. The walls of the courtyard are covered in wisteria, ivy and some grape vines, which help cool the air. We enjoyed an absolutely delicious meal, with some beautiful wines. All rather yummy.
A number of places are not open in Chablis on a Monday, so we had decided to book a tasting at the Jean-Marc Brocard winery just outside of the town, situated in the small village of Préhy. The winery was an amazing, modern building, nestled in vineyards that spilled out around the beautiful church on the edge of the village.
On arrival, Georgia - who greeted us with enthusiasm and an obvious delight in her job - gave us a brief explanation of the vineyard plots and wines of Chablis, and showed us the cellar which had been left rough at one end to help show the different layers of earth at that depth. We were then taken to see the wooden barrels and tanks, which were all cleaned and ready to receive the pressed grape juice which would be produced from the harvest, that is due to start in Chablis around 15th August this year.
We then enjoyed an excellent tasting of 7 wines, which included wines from Jean-Marc Brocard’s son, Julien Brocard’s biodynamic wines. All in all, a fabulous day out.
