Fresh, elegant and full of minerality, we review the Jean-Pierre & Alexandre Ellevin Petit Chablis.
100% Chardonnay from 25-60 year-old vines in Petit Chablis, Burgundy, France. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged in stainless steel for 8-12 months.
While the name Petit Chablis may sound like a designation of quality, that isn’t necessarily the case – it simply refers to a different area of the wider Chablis appellation.
Most of the Petit Chablis wines come from the outer areas of the appellation and tend to be made in a fruitier, less mineral style. One of the main reasons for that are the soil types.
Petit Chablis is normally planted in the higher plateaus which have a younger Portlandian limestone soil type. Chablis, on the other hand, is usually planted in older Kimmeridgian limestone clay soils from ancient sea beds that are full of fossils. Supposedly the latter impart more mineral characteristics to Chablis wines, but we certainly didn’t find today’s example lacking in that area.
Sample submitted for review. The Jean-Pierre & Alexandre Ellevin Petit Chablis is available for as low as $28 (Saturday Splurge). It is imported by Handpicked Selections.
From the winery:
Pleasant aromas of white flowers, mixed with citrus notes of lemon, grapefruit and a mineral base. Round palette with a fresh balanced body and hint of salt.
As far back as the history of the family, the Ellevins have always cultivated vines. It was in 1975 that Jean-Pierre developed the family Domaine and specialized in the vinification of Chardonnay. Today 4th generation winemaker, Alexandre Ellevin charts the path for high quality driven wines made with a respect for the characteristics of Chablis.
Tasting Notes: A very fresh, lively and mineral nose. Notes of flint, green apple, lemon.
Serve With: Excellent apertif or enjoyed with apsaragus, salads, grilled fish, shelfish, and poultry dishes. Pairs well with spicy foods, such as curry.
Produced and Bottled by Domaine Ellevin
12.5% Alcohol
The 2022 Jean-Pierre & Alexandre Ellevin Petit Chablis is a bit shy on the nose but still has pleasing aromas of citrus, green apple and lots of mineral notes.
The excitement on this one really starts when tasting. Fresh and elegant with lovely balance, this is super easy to drink but also has nice layers of flavor. It also features a smooth and round yet still lively mouthfeel. This is really delicious!
Lots of mineral notes lead into the dry, quite long, lip-smacking finish with lingering sea salt notes. It’s at its best when it warms up a bit so don’t drink it too cold. We put this one at the high end of our 9 Taste Rating at 92-93 points.
Looking for more of The Best Chardonnay Under $25? Check out our giant list!
You can also find more of our favorite wines from France here.
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