PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Grenouilles is the smallest of Chablis’ seven Grand Cru climats, at about 9 hectares, sandwiched between Vaudésir and Valmur on the right bank of the Serein, facing southwest. Its name, which dates to the early 14th century, refers to the frogs (“grenouilles”) that visit the vineyard from the river each spring. Château Grenouilles is the estate’s own name for the wine, and La Chablisienne, the Chablis cooperative, bought the château in 1999 and now owns more than 75% of the climat (7.5 of its 9 hectares), which makes this “the rarest of the Chablis Grands Crus,” a wine produced in a virtual monopoly.
It’s made from 100% Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian soils of clay-limestone with marls and fossilized oyster shells, from 40-year-old vines on average, with the oldest planted in 1945. The vineyard is certified 100% Terra Vitis. After primary and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, the wine matures about 20 months in tanks and barrels, with up to 40% new oak. The site’s geology and exposure, the cooperative notes, “deliver optimum ripeness and phenolic maturity, which yields generous wines with finesse, precision and strength — a complex tension gilded with minerality.”
The 2022 earned some of the highest scores in the Grenouilles appellation. Christy Canterbury MW, writing for Tim Atkin, and the Bettane + Desseauve guide (2026) each scored it 94 points. James Suckling gave it 93: “Complex notes of dried lemons, waxed apples, fennel, wet stones and seashells follow through to a medium-bodied, mineral and savory palate. Lots of texture and focus. Drink or hold.” Wine Enthusiast also scored it 93: “Green apple and crushed stone play volleyball on the nose, cheered on by toasted bread and Bartlett pear. The palate is rich with harmonious, well-integrated flavors that are relaxed in expression.” The wine also scored 92 at the Decanter World Wine Awards, and Wine Spectator reviewed it (a “rich white” with “honey, baked apple, lemon”). A barrel-tasting range from Burghound ran 92 to 94.
The winery’s own notes describe a “pale gold color, limpid and brilliant with slight silver reflections,” a nose that “opens discreet and fresh with light notes of lemon, citrus, and anise,” then “opens with sweet notes of vanilla and coconut,” a palate that is “spicy, balanced with nicely ripe fruit,” and a “tense, dynamic, and persistent” finish, with “very good aging potential.” It should be opened a little before tasting.
It’s a rich, mineral, saline Grand Cru Chablis, a point above village and Premier Cru wines in concentration and depth, and a great match for shellfish, sea bass, salmon tartare, and roast chicken. It can be enjoyed now, or cellared for a decade or more.
La Chablisienne 2022 Château Grenouilles Chablis Grand Cru is produced by La Chablisienne, the Chablis cooperative (founded 1923), from the Grenouilles Grand Cru climat, which La Chablisienne has owned since 1999 (7.5 of the climat’s 9 hectares). It is 100% Chardonnay from 40-year-old vines (oldest planted 1945) on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone with marl and fossilized oyster shells, facing southwest. Certified Terra Vitis. Primary and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, then aged about 20 months in tanks and barrels (up to 40% new oak). 750ml.
Christy Canterbury MW, via TimAtkin.com — 94 Points
Bettane + Desseauve Guide (2026) — 94 Points (as supplied)
James Suckling — 93 Points:
“Complex notes of dried lemons, waxed apples, fennel, wet stones and seashells follow through to a medium-bodied, mineral and savory palate. Lots of texture and focus. Drink or hold.”
Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points:
“Green apple and crushed stone play volleyball on the nose cheered on by toasted bread and Bartlett pear. The palate is rich with harmonious, well-integrated flavors that are relaxed in expression.”
Decanter World Wine Awards — 92 Points
La Chablisienne (vintage 2022 tasting note):
“Pale gold color, limpid and brilliant with slight silver reflections. The first nose is discreet and fresh with light notes of lemon, citrus and anise. It then opens with sweet notes of vanilla and coconut. The palate is spicy, balanced with nicely ripe fruit. The finale is tense, dynamic and persistent. Very good aging potential. To open a little before tasting.”
Nose
Pale gold with silver reflections. Dried lemon, waxed apple, fennel, and anise, with wet stone, seashell, toasted bread, and Bartlett pear, opening to vanilla and a hint of coconut.
Palate
Medium-bodied and mineral, spicy and balanced, with ripe fruit, texture, focus, and savory salinity.
Finish
Tense, dynamic, and persistent, with mineral and saline notes.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Chablis Grand Cru “Château Grenouilles,” Burgundy, France |
| Variety | 100% Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Producer | La Chablisienne (cooperative, founded 1923) |
| Vineyard | Grenouilles — smallest Grand Cru climat; Kimmeridgian clay-limestone with oyster shells; 40-year-old vines (oldest 1945) |
| Farming | Certified Terra Vitis |
| Aging | ~20 months in stainless steel tanks and barrels (up to 40% new oak) |
| Critics | Christy Canterbury MW 94 · Bettane + Desseauve 94 · James Suckling 93 · Wine Enthusiast 93 · Decanter World Wine Awards 92 |
| Style / Identity | A rare, rich, mineral and saline Grand Cru Chablis with real cellaring potential |
| Aromas & Flavors | Dried lemon, waxed apple, fennel, anise, wet stone, seashell, vanilla |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve lightly chilled, at about 10-12°C, and open a little before tasting; use a large white wine glass.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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