chablis

Chablis, one of the best-known examples, is extremely popular in the US.

You don’t have to know what those words mean — only notice, perhaps, that the very same dry Chablis voice describing it has spoken for Mercedes-Benz since 2010.

Chardonnay is the only grape allowed in Chablis, and it takes up about 13,000 acres that are planted across four areas of the region.

The Margote Chardonnay speaks with a similar voice, even though it grows outside Chablis and carries the modest Vin de France designation.

Master sommelier Jay Fletcher walked the crowd through the wines being served, describing a French Chablis as having come from “cold, choppy soil” and being somewhat “nervy.”