2023 Petit Chablis, Louis Michel

Domaine Louis Michel & Fils are the great purists of Chablis — no oak, ever, on anything. Everything is fermented and raised in stainless steel so the fruit and the fossil-limestone minerality come through unfiltered by wood. That philosophy makes even their entry-level Petit Chablis worth seeking out.

This 2023 comes off around 1.7 hectares of 25-year-old vines sitting just behind the grand cru slopes. Petit Chablis usually plays leaner than village Chablis, but 2023 gave a warmer, more generous style here.

Expect pear, ripe citrus and red apple on the nose, then a palate that's medium to full-bodied and surprisingly open and expansive. It's a rounder, more approachable Chablis than the razor-sharp versions — less about steely tension, more about easy charm. That makes it a brilliant introduction to the appellation, and it drinks beautifully right now.

At around £30 this is honest, well-made Chablis from a top address, ready the moment you pull the cork.

How to Serve

Serve at 8–10°C in a white wine glass. Drink young while it's fresh and fruity; no need to decant or hold.

Where to Drink It

Bentley's for oysters and a glass at the bar. The Wolseley for a light lunch. J Sheekey with a plate of smoked salmon.

Food Pairings

Grilled prawns or a simple sole, and it's lovely with a soft goat's cheese. I'd also happily drink it with roast chicken on a weeknight.