Domaine Moreau-Naudet, Chardonnay, Petit Chablis, Burgundy, France 2023

Despite coming from a 2.5 hectare parcel of young vines, this wine is made with the same level of care that the rest of the wines are. Contrary to the profile of most Petit Chablis, yields are lower than average, fermentation is with indigenous yeast, and it is harvested by hand. The wine is aged for nine months in stainless steel before bottling.

Stéphane Moreau passed away in September 2016 at far too young of an age. After a period of uncertainty, Stéphane’s wife Virginie and his assistant winemaker Coco voiced a strong commitment to continuing Stéphane’s vision. 2015 was the last vintage Stéphane made but subsequent vintages have remained true to his style.

Stéphane came from a family of vignerons, as far back as the 17th century, but the domaine name itself only came into existence in 1950, following the marriage of Marie Naudet and René Moreau – Stéphane taking on the domaine from his father, Roger, in 1993. Stéphane’s inspiration had been the likes of  Vincent Dauvissat and Didier Dagueneau - the later served as further inspiration for the domaine's distinctive label.

Stéphane was a perfectionist in the vineyard. He eliminated any insecticide or anti-rot treatment, introducing organic amendments through out. The soils are plowed regularly (4 to 5 plows per year), no chemical fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides are used. The fertilizers used are organic in order to promote biodiversity within the rows. The vines are respected and controlled by short pruning, disbudding and green harvests. He especially emphasized the search for the perfect ripeness of the grapes, maturity which is found in this juicy flesh that we immediately appreciate in his wines.