On the evening of 10 March, Wine More Cellars had the pleasure of hosting a very special wine tasting event dedicated to one of the most iconic producers in Chablis — Domaine William Fèvre.
The masterclass was led by Pierre-Antoine Ballan, Asia Pacific Sales Manager for Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), who guided our guests through the fascinating world of Chablis, its unique terroir, and the winemaking philosophy that places Domaine William Fèvre among the region’s elite producers. The evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of Negociants Australia, who provided the wines for this unforgettable tasting.
An Evening Dedicated to Chablis
Held at Wine More Cellars in Chadstone, the masterclass took our guests on a structured journey through the Chablis appellation — from the accessible charm of village wines to the concentrated complexity of Premier Cru expressions.
Pierre-Antoine shared expert insights into:
- The history of Chablis and how the region developed its international reputation
- The significance of Kimmeridgian limestone soils — why this ancient seabed produces wines with such distinctive mineral character
- The stylistic differences between Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru
- The winemaking approach of Domaine William Fèvre, including their stance on oak and their sustainable viticulture practices
Guests had the opportunity to taste a carefully selected lineup of wines while learning about the subtle differences between vineyard sites and vintages. The room was filled with animated discussion, genuine curiosity, and many beautifully poured glasses of Chablis.
Understanding Chablis: Why This Region Is Unique
Chablis is the northernmost appellation of Burgundy, located closer to Champagne than to Beaune. This cooler location, combined with its remarkable soil composition, produces white wines unlike those made anywhere else in the world.
The key to Chablis’ character is its Kimmeridgian limestone — a geological layer formed approximately 155 million years ago from the compressed shells of tiny marine organisms called exogyra virgula. This distinctive soil gives Chablis its characteristic oyster-shell minerality, its steely freshness, and its almost electric acidity. When you drink a Chablis, you’re tasting the imprint of an ancient seabed.
The appellation is divided into four quality levels:
- Petit Chablis — From the plateau, lighter and more accessible
- Chablis — Village-level wine; fresh, mineral, and food-friendly
- Chablis Premier Cru — 17 designated vineyard areas; greater depth and complexity
- Chablis Grand Cru — Seven Grand Cru vineyards on the south-facing slopes above the Serein river; the finest expressions in the region
The best-known Premier Cru sites include Montée de Tonnerre, Mont de Milieu, Vaillons, and Beauroy — each expressing slightly different facets of the Chablis personality.
Domaine William Fèvre: One of Chablis’ Greatest Producers
Domaine William Fèvre is widely regarded as the benchmark producer of Chablis. The estate owns one of the largest holdings of Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards in the region — a significant competitive advantage in an appellation where the finest parcels are small and fiercely contested.
In 1998, the domaine was acquired by the Champagne house Joseph Henriot, and subsequently integrated into the Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) portfolio — bringing with it the quality standards and investment that one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious families brings to every property they manage.
The philosophy at William Fèvre centres on three principles:
- Sustainable viticulture — Working with the environment rather than against it to produce the healthiest possible grapes
- Minimal intervention winemaking — Allowing the terroir to express itself without being masked by technology or excessive oak
- Preserving natural minerality and freshness — The hallmarks of great Chablis, and the qualities that distinguish it from richer, oaked white Burgundy
This commitment to terroir-driven winemaking is exactly why the wines performed so beautifully throughout the masterclass.
A Wine That Stole the Show
While every wine showed beautifully, the clear favourite among our guests was the:
2021 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru Beauroy
The Beauroy vineyard is located on the left bank of the Serein river, on slopes with a south to south-east exposure. The soils here are particularly rich in Kimmeridgian limestone, and the wine expresses this beautifully: intense, linear, and electric with minerality, yet with a generosity of fruit that makes it immediately engaging. The 2021 vintage brought natural freshness and precision — a vintage that rewarded careful winemaking at estates like Fèvre, which were meticulous in their selection.
On the nose: white flowers, lemon zest, green apple, and a distinctive stony, saline mineral note. On the palate: crisp acidity, medium-weight body, and a long, clean finish driven by citrus and that unmistakable oyster-shell mineral core. This is Chablis at its most expressive and satisfying.
Food Pairing: What Pairs with Chablis?
Chablis’ high acidity, mineral character, and unoaked or lightly oaked profile make it one of the most food-versatile white wines in the world:
- Natural oysters — The quintessential pairing. Chablis and oysters share a marine, saline character that creates remarkable harmony.
- Sydney Rock Oysters or Pacific Oysters — Both work beautifully with a Premier Cru like the Beauroy.
- Sashimi and delicate seafood — The wine’s mineral drive and clean acidity complement raw fish without overwhelming it.
- Goat’s cheese — The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of fresh chèvre; a classically elegant pairing.
- Grilled snapper or barramundi — Simple, well-seasoned fish dishes allow the wine’s character to shine.
- Prawn cocktail or butter-poached prawns — Light shellfish preparations are a natural match for Chablis’ precision.
Discover More Chablis at Winemore
If the William Fèvre masterclass has sparked an interest in exploring Chablis further, we carry a curated selection at Winemore:
Browse the full Domaine William Fèvre collection at Winemore
Explore More from Winemore’s Wine Journal
- Beyond Chablis: Discover the True Depth of White Burgundy
- Burgundy: Where Should You Start?
- Burgundy 2022: A Vintage of Balance, Charm, and Welcome Abundance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kimmeridgian limestone and why does it matter in Chablis?
Kimmeridgian limestone is a geological layer formed approximately 155 million years ago from compressed marine fossils, including tiny oyster shells. This ancient seabed rock is the foundation of Chablis’ terroir and is directly responsible for the wine’s distinctive mineral, saline, and oyster-shell character. It is found only in specific parts of Chablis and in the Champagne region, making Chablis unique even within Burgundy.
What is the difference between Chablis Premier Cru and Grand Cru?
Premier Cru wines come from 17 designated vineyard areas within the Chablis appellation, recognised for producing superior quality fruit. Grand Cru is the highest classification — just seven vineyards on a single south-facing slope above the Serein river (Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Les Preuses, Valmur, and Vaudésir). Grand Cru Chablis offers greater depth, concentration, and aging potential than Premier Cru, and is priced accordingly.
Should Chablis be served chilled?
Yes — Chablis is best served cold, at around 8–11°C. Serve it too warm and the acidity loses its freshness; too cold and the aromas close down. Remove from the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving. Pour into a tulip-shaped white wine glass — not a narrow flute — to allow the aromas to develop.
Can Chablis age?
Entry-level Chablis (village appellation) is designed for early drinking and is best within 3–5 years. Premier Cru from a quality producer like William Fèvre can age gracefully for 8–15 years, developing greater complexity and depth while retaining its mineral backbone. Grand Cru Chablis from top estates can cellar for 20 years or more.
What events does Wine More Cellars host?
We regularly host masterclasses, producer tastings, and private events at our Chadstone cellar. Events cover a wide range of topics — from regional tastings like this William Fèvre evening to vertical tastings of single estates and educational sessions for wine enthusiasts at all levels. Follow us on social media or visit our website for upcoming event announcements.
Written by the Winemore team — Melbourne specialists in fine and rare wine, based in Chadstone.