Most Chablis experts regard Montee de Tonnerre as the top premier cry of Chablis, and the one most capable of challenging the grand crus for substance and sheer quality. The sub-section of Montee de Tonnerre closest to the grand crus (facing Blanchots actually, and just a stone’s throw from it) is the Cote de Brechains.
As Chablis-wines.com explains:
Lying on the right bank of the Serein, Côte de Bréchain finds a natural place in the Chablis landscape. Although part of Montée de Tonnerre, its flag-bearing Climat, it distinguishes itself with very particular features: predominantly turned towards the west and exposed to fresh winds from the north rushing into the valley, it is overlooked by a forest bringing just the needed touch of freshness. The subsoil is similar to that of the Climat group to which it belongs, primarily Kimmeridgian marly limestones.
This cooler exposure and proximity to Blanchots gives the Cote de Brechains an especially intense and concentrated, essence-of-Chablis character.
