Chablis Invites Connoisseurs to Unlock the Charms of the Region’s Iconic Pure and Playful Pours at the Chablis White Party Ahead of the Festive Season

(19 November 2024, Hong Kong) – The Chablis White Party returns to Hong Kong today in an elegant, playful and contemporary showcase that invites connoisseurs to ‘Unlock Chablis’ in the run-up to the celebratory season. The fresh purity, exceptional finesse and crisp minerality of these storied Chardonnay wines shine as guests dressed in white gather in the dazzling, white-bedecked environs of the Sugar+ in Causeway Bay to savour delightful pairings with classic local delicacies.

‘Chablis White Party 2024 – Unlock Chablis’ captures not only the glamour of the upcoming festive season but also the exceptional versatility of winemaking in Bourgogne’s northernmost region, where talented producers ensure that there is a fine, zesty white wine to complement every occasion – from happy everyday drinking to special celebrations that linger long in the memory.

More than just a wine, Chablis is a bottling of artistry and emotion. In France’s iconic Chablis region, each wine is a dynamic expression of the Serein Valley terroir and the unique cultural heritage of a close-knit community of winemakers. The chalky, marine-fossil-enriched subsoil dating back 150 million years to the Kimmeridgian geological period, teamed with the naturally cool climate, ensures their emblematic minerality. Four Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOCs) yield a remarkable breadth of wines: from the popularly enjoyed Petit Chablis and Chablis to the prestigious pours of Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru.

“Thanks to different soil compositions and slope orientations between various plots and the ingenuity of individual producers, the single grape variety of Chardonnay reveals an astonishing diversity across the four Chablis appellations,” says visiting winemaker Sébastien Christophe of Domaine Christophe et Fils, and guest speaker at the ‘Chablis White Party 2024 – Unlock Chablis’. “I am delighted to represent our historic and enchanting region in Hong Kong as we showcase the strength and subtlety of our lively white wines that bring joy to any celebration.”

Chablis is perfect for pouring with Chinese cuisine, whether at a grand banquet or a casual dim-sum gathering of family and friends. “The elegant and pure style of the Chardonnay grapes grown in Chablis give birth to wines that allow a great diversity of pairings with food,” says internationally acclaimed sommelier and wine consultant Reeze Choi, another guest speaker. “Chablis wines elegantly embellish food. Finding impressive Chablis pairings within Hong Kong’s food culture that embraces a wide range of ingredients and cooking methods is easily done.”

Of the famed region’s four AOCs, Petit Chablis offers fresh, light wines with a well-balanced acidity, while the largest appellation, Chablis, presents pours of good structure, persistent flavour and volume on the palate. Generally speaking, wines develop more complexity in the Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru AOCs, treading a fine path between richness and acidity and showing longer ageing potential.

Petit Chablis is an excellent companion for dim sum, particularly with ingredients such as scallop. The wine’s bright notes of lime and green lemon, combined with its stony mineral character, complement the delicate scallop flavours enhanced by a little celery and carrot in a steamed dumpling. The racy acidity and fresh finish of Petit Chablis balance the saltiness of the dish, while the wine's minerality creates a delightful sweetness on the palate, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Another great match is a cuttlefish dumpling with chopped chilli. The generous citrus and green apple aromas of Petit Chablis harmonise beautifully with the dish’s spice. The wine’s lemony acidity cools the heat from the chilli, while its crisp texture and minerality elevate the freshness of the fish. This pairing showcases how the fruit character of Petit Chablis can complement the savoury notes of the dumpling, creating a refreshing balance.

The classic shrimp dumpling is a staple in Cantonese dim sum, and it pairs excellently with Chablis. With its straightforward citrus and white flower aromas, along with a touch of iodine and wet stone minerality, Chablis enhances the delicate flavours of the shrimp without overwhelming them. The wine’s lean, crisp texture and savoury aftertaste align perfectly with the saltiness of the dumpling, resulting in a harmonious and refined palate experience that highlights the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Chablis Premier Cru, meanwhile, shines with dumplings of shrimp and green vegetables like spinach enjoyed with a dash of XO sauce. The wine’s zesty freshness complements the umami of the XO sauce, while its firm texture supports the dish without overpowering it. Similarly, Chablis Grand Cru, especially from the small Grenouilles climat, pairs beautifully with king crab spring roll since its refreshing citrus notes and oak character heighten the crab’s sweetness and balance the dish’s oily mouthfeel. These premium wines elevate the dining experience, showcasing the complexity and richness of both the wine and the dim sum.

These pairings illustrate the versatility of Chablis, making it a remarkable choice for enhancing the nuanced flavours found in dim sum.

Hong Kong wine aficionados favour the easy-to-enjoy Petit Chablis and the dry, elegant everyday versatility of signature Chablis, which together accounted for 86% of Chablis wines arriving in the city during the first six months of 2024; the more profound Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru comprised the remainder of the 87,230 bottles imported (up 3.6% on the first six months of 2023). Hong Kong is now the 17th largest market for Chablis wine by value at 1.6 million euros (up 13.7% on the first six months of 2023) and 21st by volume. In a testament to the growing appetite and appreciation of iconic French wines as well as the maturity of the Hong Kong market, sales of all Bourgogne labels excelled last year, increasing by 3% over the five-year average.

‘Chablis White Party 2024 – Unlock Chablis’ underscores the bright, refreshing and energetic personality of these wines. Ideal for festivities, their engaging minerality adds to the buzz of parties and their finesse brings elegance to convivial gatherings of families and friends over dim sum or celebration dishes like lobster, crab and steamed fish.

To discover more about Chablis wines, please scan the QR code below to ‘Unlock Chablis’, an online journey revealing the history, terroirs and versatility of Chablis wines in a fun and educational way.

Please visit www.chablis-wines.com or like and connect with Chablis Wines on:

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