Domaine Vincent Wengier Chablis AOC 2022 – Last Chance Deal

This Chablis showcases the pure, unoaked expression of Chardonnay that the region is famous for. The Kimmeridgian soil of Chablis, rich in fossilised oyster shells, imparts that distinctive briny minerality you taste on the back-palate. Unlike buttery, oaked Chardonnays from warmer regions, this wine emphasises crisp acidity and maritime salinity, creating a more restrained and food-friendly style that's quintessentially Burgundian.

The pairing works on multiple levels - both the wine and oysters share that briny, oceanic character from their terroir. Chablis vineyards sit on ancient seabed soils filled with fossilised marine life, which explains the wine's natural salinity. The wine's ripping acidity cuts through the oyster's richness while the mineral notes create a harmonious echo of the sea, making each sip and bite enhance the other.

Lees are the dead yeast cells left after fermentation, and keeping the wine in contact with them adds texture and complexity. In this Chablis, the lees work creates that 'real breadth and presence on the palate' mentioned in the tasting notes. This technique, called sur lie ageing, gives the wine a subtle creaminess and fuller mouthfeel without masking the pure fruit flavours or crisp minerality that defines great Chablis.

Serve this Chablis well-chilled at around 10-12°C to highlight its crisp acidity and mineral precision. The wine's textural style means it can handle slightly warmer temperatures than lighter whites, allowing the lees-derived richness to show through. Use proper Burgundy glasses if you have them - the wider bowl will concentrate the subtle aromas of green apple and lime while the tapered rim focuses the wine's bright, enduring finish.

The 2022 vintage in Chablis was marked by a hot, dry summer that concentrated flavours while maintaining the region's signature acidity. This wine's 'ripping acidity' and intense citrus notes reflect the vintage's character perfectly. The combination of concentration from the warm weather and the natural freshness of Chablis terroir has produced wines with excellent balance and ageing potential, making 2022 a standout year for the region.