Although traces of a village dating back to the Neolithic period have been found, the true origins of Chablis date back to Roman times. Its name is said to come from the Latin term “Caplum”, meaning “ford”. Uprooted under Emperor Domitian (81–96), vines developed there in the 3rd century after being restored by Emperor Probus.
The River Serein plays an important role both as a climate regulator in the vineyard and as a commercial route, enabling Chablis wines to be transported to Auxerre and the capital, and from there abroad, particularly to Flanders and England.
But it was to the Cistercians that the vineyard owed its real growth, thanks to the nearby Abbey of Pontigny. Phylloxera destroyed the vineyard at the end of the 19th century, and it was replanted with Chardonnay. In the 1970s, mixed farming gave way to vines, which expanded spectacularly. In addition, effective protection against spring frosts was introduced through the use of heaters, candles and sprinkling.
The appellation area covers 5,000 hectares spread over 19 communes, and four levels of appellation:
- Petit Chablis
- Chablis
- Chablis Premier Cru
- Chablis Grand Cru
The communal Chablis appellation covers 3,055 ha.
The latest list of Premiers Crus dates from 1986.
79 lieux-dits are classified, covering an area of 775 ha. Chablis winegrowers have grouped these lieux-dits under climate names, using only 17 of them. The vineyards concerned extend on both sides of the Serein across the communes of Chablis, Fontenay, Maligny, Chichée, La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, Courgis, Fleys and Beines.
7 Grands Crus
Since 1938, 111 hectares stretching in a crescent shape on the right bank of the Serein and benefiting from a south/south-west exposure for optimal sunshine have been entitled to the Chablis Grand Cru appellation. Seven climats have contributed to the worldwide reputation of the great white wines of the Chablis region. They are respectively: Les Clos, Vaudésir, Valmur, Blanchot, Les Preuses, Grenouilles, and Bougros.