A cluster surrounded by ice is much safer than a 'naked' cluster out in negative degree weather. The entire town is gearing up for the Tournament of St. Vincent, when 100,000 folks will descend on Chablis to drink the wine, watch the parades, and participate in the festival honoring the Patron Saint of the Vigneron. Tasted at a few 'caves de degustation' and was very impressed with the array of local Chablis wines. Noted some wonderful pear, apple and peach flavors in the young wines especially. Some were certainly more intense and mineral than others, and the Grand and Premier Cru wines really shined, but so did some selected Village wines made by the competent producers in good years.
Many Chablis wines are still a great bargain.
While relaxing in the vineyards of Chablis I reflected on the country folk that inhabit the French countryside living simple, harmonious lives, which revolve around growing and making wine, eating and drinking well, and functioning as a small community. But still I wonder how many would live in a big city if they might choose their fate, and how many might wish to return to these small medieveal hamlets after living among the hustle and bustle of a massive modern city. This is a church and a small village near the vineyards of Corton. We're looking down on the village from a hill in the Haute Cotes de Beaune. These villages seem stuck in time.