LES CLOS (26 ha) By far the largest of the Grand Cru climats, set between Valmur to the west and Blanchot to the east, Les Clos is almost certainly the best known. It carries with it the whole history of Chablis as it was certainly the first vineyard to be planted. There is nothing left of the original stone walls built by the monks to enclose the vineyard (hence "Clos"), but the fact that they chose this particular site certainly indicates their belief in it's potential. There is little marl in the soil here; instead a high proportion of stones, mixed with compact white clay. In its upper reaches it is frankly rocky. About 80 centimetres below ground level is a limestone slab which could be the factor that gives so much firmness to the wines. Ideal exposure to the sun produces high sugar levels and corresponding power in the wines. In a way, Les Clos can be considered as the archetypal Chablis : it is closed in its youth but keeps very well. When fully open, it shows strong mineral character and great finesse. Perhaps the most eloquent of all the climats. The owners of Grand Crus vineyards Les Clos Domaine Pascal Bouchard La Chablisienne Domaine Joseph Drouhin Domaine Laroche Domaine Long-Depaquit Domaine Servin Domaine William Fèvre Domaine Louis Moreau Clos des Hospices