Grand Cru

There are seven of these, all located on the same south-facing slope just to the north of the town of Chablis itself. Les Clos is the largest and best known; the others are Bougros, Les Preuses, Vaudesir, Grenouilles, Valmur, and Blanchot.
They produce wines with their own particular character, but all need several years in the bottle to achieve the rich, dry combination of butter, nuts, and minerals that sets the wines of Chablis apart from all of the other Chardonnay wines in the world.

These are the boldest, richest, most complex wines of the region, and reward cellaring, ideally for 10 years. They should be at least 5 years old before drinking.

Premier Cru

There are 40 vineyards entitled to the Premier Cru status, and are scattered in all directions around the town of Chablis.
It may need 2 to 3 years in bottle to bring out its aromatic complexity. These wines, from a top producer in a top vintage, can age well for a decade, becoming golden in color and mellower in flavor.

Chablis & Petit Chablis

Chablis. The basic appellation is the most extensive area of the total vineyard. It is Burgundys most important appellation in terms of quantity.
As it ages, it often assumes a richer, more honeyed quality.

Petit Chablis. It is pure Chardonnay, grown at higher altitudes where the soils often lack the strong limestone content found elsewhere in the region.
It is a pleasant wine with a fragrant bouquet. It should be drunk young and fresh.