Near the city of Auxerre, the Chablis vineyards are midway between Beaune and Paris. The vineyards extend over limestone slopes on each side of a charming river, the "Serein". This soil is unique : it is a mix of clay with billions of petrified shells from the Jurassic era. With a continental climate, hot in Summer and cold in Winter, frosts are frequent in Chablis. The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay. Joseph DROUHIN owns 40 hectares of Grand Crus, Premier Crus and Chablis A.C. 

Joseph DROUHIN is to-day a very important vineyard owner in Chablis. When the domain was put together, in the late sixties, part of the land had been abandoned. In the 19th Century, just before the phylloxera crisis, the "département" of Yonne (where Chablis is located) had as many as 40 000 hectares (100 000 acres) under vines. The proximity of Paris made it a convenient source for the capital's consumption of fine, as well as more ordinary, wines. At the heart of this region, 1 000 hectares (2 500 acres) were then planted with Chardonnay, whose name is still locally known as "Beaunois" (i.e. from Beaune). Then, in 1885, the phylloxera disease struck and a long period of slow degradation followed. By 1960, half of the vineyards had disappeared. The other half survived because they were somewhat sheltered from the rigours of harsh Winters and Spring frosts. Numerous fields lay fallow and countless cuveries had been abandoned. The vigneron had turned to other types of culture and very often his children had left for good. 

Robert DROUHIN, on his first visit, fell in love with Chablis. Since it is now possible to control frost and to cultivate steep slopes with tractors, it became clear to Robert DROUHIN that what was happening in Côte d'Or could be successfully duplicated in Chablis. After a painstaking research involving study of ancient maps, conversations with old vignerons and tasting of old bottles from abandoned terroirs, Robert DROUHIN was able to locate the best parcels, especially those located in the valley of Vauvillien. To-day, Joseph DROUHIN owns 40 hectares (100 acres), with a sizeable portion in the Grand Crus (7 acres) and Premier Crus (17 acres). It is important to note that the Drouhin domain is strictly located within the historical boundary of the appellation. 

Pruning is very short in order to keep the yields as low as possible. The grapes come from three famous Premier Cru vineyards : Vaillons, Montmains and Sécher. At harvest time, the grapes are hand-picked, then carefully pressed. The juice ferments in barrels and stainless steel tanks. After 7 to 8 months of ageing, the wine is bottled. 

Chablis Premier Cru has very attractive and intense aromas reminiscent of coriander, orange, lemon and many other intriguing flavours. Generous, round and long on the palate, it is also full bodied with refreshing vivacity. The wine can be kept 7 to 8 years in the cellar, or even more in a good vintage. It is also pleasant at 3 or 4 years of age.