Domaine Moreau-Naudet, Chablis 1er Cru, Forêts, Burgundy, France, 2022

Producer Profile

The Naudet family has been involved in winemaking since the 17th century, but Domaine Moreau-Naudet was established in 1950 following the marriage of Marie Naudet and René Moreau.

Stéphane Moreau took over from his father Roger in 1991 and quickly gained a reputation for producing wines marked by style, finesse, and individuality. His untimely death in August 2016 was a significant loss to the wine world. Stéphane was deeply passionate about crafting authentic, high-quality Chablis from the family’s 22 hectares. His family and the domaine team continue to honor his legacy by maintaining the estate’s dedication to excellence.

Viticulture

The Naudet family's winemaking history dates back to the 17th century, with Domaine Moreau-Naudet established in 1950. Stéphane Moreau, who took over in 1991, built a reputation for finesse and individuality in his wines (influenced by Vincent Dauvissat). Following his tragic passing in 2016, Stéphanes wife Virginie took over with the upmost dedication in producing authentic Chablis from 25 hectares whilst employing Organic practices and strict manual harvesting (3ha in Petit Chablis, 12ha in Chablis, 3ha in Vaillons, 2ha in Forets, 1.6ha in Montmains, 0.86ha in Montée de Tonnerre, 0.58ha in Valmur with the remainder from young vineyards in the Courgis sector - Beauregards, Côte de Jouan and Goulotte. Produced from avg. 45-year-old vines located in the 1er Cru ‘Forêts’ vineyard (2ha), the vineyard is renowned for its Kimmeridgian limestone soils, crucial for minerality.

Winemaking

The cellar-work is also masterful, whole bunch pressing, natural yeast fermentation, and natural settling out are employed. Long, slow élevage (30%) in large oak barrels (demi-muids) with remainder in stainless-steel tanks, up to 18 months, on fine lees for added depth (all the barrels are steamed rather than charred and there is no new oak. The style is often compared to Vincent Dauvissat, known for purity and intensity.

Tasting Note

stunning expression of pure Chardonnay from the celebrated Premier Cru vineyard. It shows a pale gold colour with silvery reflections. The nose is vibrant and fresh, revealing aromas of green apple, lemon zest, wet stone, white flowers, and hints of saline minerality. On the palate, the wine is taut and precise, with crisp acidity and a lively, flinty character typical of Chablis. Layers of citrus fruit, crushed oyster shell, and a subtle hint of chalkiness unfold elegantly, leading to a clean, persistent finish. Balanced and refined, it beautifully reflects the cool climate and limestone-rich soils of the Forêts site.

Food Matching

Creamy goat’s cheese tarts, asparagus with hollandaise, and light fish stews like bouillabaisse.