Domaine Gilbert Picq Chablis - Amanti Vino June Goda Wine Club Selection

I was excited receive two good looking white wines this month, a Chablis and a dry Riesling.

I have always loved Chablis, a wine with a very long history. First planted by the Romans over 16 centuries ago, it is made of Chardonnay grapes that thrive in the terroir of this beautiful region of Burgundy, France.

Chablis was the US white wine of choice in the 70's but as the wine production has evolved over the years the wines of Chablis have been overshadowed by the New World expressions of the Chardonnay varietal. I still prefer the classic nature of Chablis.

Domaine of Gilbert Picq et Ses Fils is a wonderful, small, yet up-and-coming producer of this fine wine.

The wine is produced "from three plots of vines in the village of Chichée, just to the southeast of Chablis. The vines are all over 50 years old. The result is a very full nose, richer than the most Chablis, with more concentration and weight, but a similarity of style.  

"Palish yellow color. Superripe aromas of orange and honey; reminded me of an Alsace pinot gris. Dense, rich and spicy, with palate-staining flavors of orange, pineapple and lemon peel. An attractive, opulent Chablis with plenty of personality, if in a rather extreme style. Picq notes that there was less hail here and thus he was able to pick by hand and use his sorting table. The concentration is largely due to the high percentage of tiny, millerande grapes." 

International Wine Cellar
Stephen Tanzer
87-90 Points