photo via williamfevre.fr

One of my favorite summer pairings is Chablis and Oysters! This very popular food and wine pairing is one you can not miss on a hot day dining outside. These bright and acidic, mineral-driven wines combined with salty oysters fresh from the ocean is simply heaven. I had the opportunity to taste one of my favorite producers of Chablis with Cellarmaster and Director of Domaine William Fèvre, a Domaine that established itself in Chablis since 1959.

The family has lived in Chablis for 250 years, so it’s only fitting that they set up a vineyard and make wine as one of the most prestigious wineries in the region. The history and beauty of Chablis are some of the many reasons why I love this wine so much. I have no problem drinking Chablis all year long, but something about it in summer is just so much better, especially paired with oysters and seafood.

It was a lovely NYC afternoon when I sat down with William Fèvre Chablis Director & Cellar Master Didier Séguier and author/ renowned oyster guru Rowan Jacobsen for a seminar and lunch on the subject of this wine and food pairing. National Oyster Day is August 5th, 2018 so it was perfect timing to prep our palates for this delicious food and wine pairing day. 

We tasted through a number of Chablis with both east and west coast oysters, including:

William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux SEA Limited Edition 2017 $24.99

William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru Montmains Domaine 2016 $64.99

William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre Domaine 2016   $69.99

William Fèvre Grand Cru Bougros “Côte Bouguerots” Domaine 2016 $120

William Fèvre Grand Cru Les Clos Domaine 2016 $140

William Fèvre Grand Cru Bougros “Côte Bouguerots” Domaine 2009 $110

The William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux SEA Limited Edition 2017 label evokes the oyster fossil soil (Kimmeridgian) in which the grapevines grow to produce fresh, lively Chablis notes with mineral aromas and flavors.

What’s fun and makes this pairing a little less “cliche” is that Director & Cellar Master Didier Séguier is a total oyster “geek” and hand selects his own oysters, often from the famous Marennes-Oléron oyster beds. What do you think he enjoys with his hand-picked oysters? William Fèvre Chablis of course! This special edition bottle is available nationwide, as well as the other Chablis offered in the William Fèvre portfolio. 

If you’re seeking a perfect summer pairing, look no further than this one. These wines are available by the glass and bottle at many restaurants in NYC and beyond, and are incredible with more than oysters (however that is absolutely how you should start your meal) and you will not be disappointed. Chablis is perfect for those who love dry white wines with attractive mineral notes, fruit forward and citrus undertones, as well as plenty of fun acidity and vibrancy.

Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love. Please pair responsibly!