Chablis, from Northern Burgundy in France, is the exemplar of the unoaked Chardonnay style: chalky, flinty, crisp and focused. Admittedly, not all producers in Chablis are strict stainless steel devotees, some allow their top wines to spend time in old oak barrels or vats(which impart little or no oak flavor), and some use new oak(a practice many of their peers forwn upon). and some use new Oak(a practise many of the peers upon). But the overall thrust of great Chablis is toward purity and finesse. The extraordinary "Domaine Francois Raveneau Les Clos Grand Cru", from the region's most renowned producer(and most renowned vineyard), is the apogee of Chablis. But since that wine runs $200 a Bottle, four substantially more affordable introductions to good Chablis are listed below.

2006 Jean-Pierre Grossot

Chablis

Citrus and flower aromas distinguish this chalky wine from an up and coming producer, peach flavors come out in finish.

2007 Christian Moreau  

Chablis

Moreau, who comes from a longtime Chablis producing family, is known for steely, focused wines. This intro level bottling is green gold in color and has the flavor of tart green apples, along with a hint of earthiness.

2007 Louis Michel Premier Cru Montmain

Chablis

Michel is a top producer in the all stainless steel style, and its premier cru wine from Montmain has the flinty, wet stone character from which Chablis is so well know.

South Africa  | Chardonnay | producer Rustenberg

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