Joseph Drouhin Secher 1er Cru Chablis 2015

A Premier Cru Chablis from Justerini & Brooks

Under the Byzantine rules of Chablis, Premier Cru is not the top rank but second-from-top just behind Grand Cru. Premier Cru will set you back a few more pennies than entry-level Chablis but will be ready to drink sooner than Grand Cru.

Other dinner party facts about Chablis Premier Cru:

- made from Chardonnay
- grown on fossil-rich, chalky Kimmeridgian soils
- 89 vineyards have Premier Cru status

Technically part of Burgundy but closer to Champagne geographically and stylistically, Chablis is cooler, fresher and more linear than the rest of Burgundy. The wines become more complex and ageworthy as you go up the scale from Petit Chablis to Grand Cru.

Premier Cru benefits from at least a few years' age and has the complexity to match with foods such as smoked ham, mushrooms mild cheeses or fish.

If you need a classy and elegant wine for your starter at Christmas, this would be perfect.

Joseph Drouhin  Secher 1er Cru (£20, Justerini & Brooks) toasty, orchard fruits and honey; fresh, mineral, saline, supple and full. Very adept and elegant. Will improve further with age.

Very Good.

Match with oysters, rare tuna steak or soused trout.