All three have a huge impact on the final product. Start with latitude. Chablis is at the cooler latitude of Montreal or Seattle, while Napa is at the same latitude as hotter Athens or Lisbon. Chablis’s viticulture is driven by centuries of experience, while Napa’s is driven by strong scientific research at UC Davis. Americans prefer a big, buttery,oaky Chardonnay as an aperitif. Europeans buy Chablis because it is a crisp and lively wine ideally suited for a meal. Enologists from both areas make wines that will appeal to their local consumer.