An exceptional vintage for Chablis wines

First tastings of the Chablis 2008 vintage have begun, following this year’s harvest at the 60th annual Chablis Wine Festival in late October. Arnaud Valour, spokesperson for Chablis Wines, is having a tasting today of the ‘first release’ grape juice, which is about to be bottled, as well as other vintage Chablis wines. The UK is the world’s top importer of Chablis, with 32% (or 10 850 000 bottles) of the average annual production of Chablis bought and consumed by UK markets. The 2008 vintage will be available in the UK in Spring/Summer 2009.

A superb vintage
The Chablis Commission of the Burgundy Wine Committee has presented the initial trends for the 2008 vintage. Although too soon to conclusively describe flavours, initial tastings of the 2008 wines reveal an excellent mineral freshness, creating a vintage that will be ideal for laying down.

Arnaud Valour says: "Having conducted our preliminary tastings, we have detected a richness in the nose which is further exhibited in the palate. The grape juices have an elegant minerality that is instantly recognisable amongst Chablis wines and the first tastings are indicating that 2008 will be a superb vintage."

Unpredictable weather conditions this summer
Although spared hail and frost, the Chablis vineyards were exposed to unsettled weather conditions this summer. However, with plenty of light in July and August, growers saw a cool and airy end to the season which provided the last few degrees needed for the grapes to mature whilst ensuring the health of the vines.