PICQ Chablis 2005
Winery
The Picq family and their Domaine Gilbert Picq et ses Fils are based in the hamlet of Chichée, just 3km south of Chablis, and have been an established name in the region for several generations. Didier Picq is in charge of wine-making, while his brother Pascal looks after the vineyards. Daughter Marilyn looks after the commercial side in the office - a true family domaine. The father, Gilbert, is now retired and the two sons took the reins in the wine production. The wines are both fermented and aged in stainless steel. The result is opulent, generously flavoured Chablis, with notes of honey, citrus fruits, and white pepper,
Vineyard : Somewhere
Chablis is situated roughly halfway between Burgundy's heartland (Côte d'Or) and Paris and only Champagne has a more northerly location. The climate is therefore extremely cool and it is a struggle to ripen the grapes in poor years. Chardonnay is the only grape permitted in Chablis, but unlike the rest of Burgundy the wines are traditionally dry, steely and unoaked. The soil is Kimmeridge Clay (with outcrops of the chalk that extends from Sancerre up to the white cliffs of Dover) which is rich in sea shells and is said to give the wine its inimitable flinty, creamy taste. The least good vineyards are classified Petit-Chablis and the quality increases progressively through the vineyards classed Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Grand Crus. All the best (Grand Cru) vineyards are situated in one area just north of the town.
