Petit Chablis is an appellation for white Chardonnay-based wines produced in Chablis and the surrounding communes and its vineyards lie on both sides of the Serein Valley. The appellation was created in 1944.

The Chablis region is the northernmost wine district of the Burgundy region and lies approximately 20 miles south-east of Champagne. Monks from the Abbey of Pontigny were the first to plant grapes here in the 12th century on the slope surrounding the River Serein. Chablis is set geographically apart from the rest of Burgundy sitting almost by itself and it is the coolest winegrowing region in Burgundy. The river moderates the climate and the area is known for its cold winters, hot summers and frosty springs. Each vintage faces a hazard with the looming possibility of sudden temperature drops in spring creating a late frost which is detrimental to vine maturation and can kill a vintage before it has even begun.

The limestone soil in Chablis is called Kimmeridgian, the same found in Champagne and it is responsible for the typical austere bone-dry Chardonnay flavours of Chablis with the pale, straw colour, greenish hues, delicate minerality and steely flavours. It is a soil consisting of fossilised sea shells which help wines attain beautiful, delicate minerality. Its white, chalky texture is great for retaining and reflecting the warmth of the sun which is needed this far north which also helps the grapes ripen and gives them a purity and crispness.