You Skipped This Bottle Because It Didn’t Say “Chablis” . Here’s Why That Was Thirsty, But Not Wise

You’re looking for Chablis… and you see this bottle, Domaine des Sénons. It doesn’t say “Chablis,” so you skip it.
Well, you are thirsty, but that wasn’t very wise.

Here’s the twist: it’s from the Yonne (the same department where Chablis sits), and it can deliver that same crisp, mineral-leaning Chardonnay feeling—minus the famous name on the label.

That’s why wine knowledge matters. Some of the best value (and the best surprises) lives right next to the headline appellation—just outside the border.

A bit of context makes it even cooler: this is wine from a place that used to be fashionable—the Sénonais vineyards were once pouring in Paris bistros. But when transport shifted and railroads made other regions easier (and cheaper) to move around than shipping wine by river, the area quietly fell out of fashion. Not because the vineyards weren’t good—but because outside circumstances changed.

And that’s the point: sometimes great wines get overlooked for reasons that have nothing to do with what’s in the glass. All it takes is one person to remember, believe, and start again.

That’s exactly what happened here. Domaine des Sénons is part of the revival of the Sénonais vineyard after nearly a century—on a terroir mixing flint, chalk, and clay, a compelling setup for fresh, nervy whites. Their first harvest was 2021 (not commercialized), with the first releases following shortly after. People said it couldn’t be done.

That’s why wine storytelling matters: this wine is as much about the people who brought it back to life as it is about the fact that it’s genuinely a great bottle.

Tasting note (2023)
They say 2023 was a “perfect conditions” vintage—no frost, enough rain, and the right amount of sunshine.
Pale lemon • dry • high acidity • medium alcohol • medium body
Tart green apple + green pear • citrus • touch of unripe peach
Yeasty/biscuity notes • slightly creamy texture • long finish

Serve & pair: Chill to ~10°C. Great with light, fresh dishes—or something gently creamy.

So, if you want to learn how to spot wines like this with confidence (and taste them properly), choose your WSET Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3—we’ll teach you how to read labels, understand regions, and use systematic tasting to find quality beyond the famous names.

Stay Thirsty and Wise!