Food Pairings: Roast White Meats, Fresh Seafood, Crunchy Greens, Fried Food, Aperitif

Domaine Moreau-Naudet is now among the top estates for distinctly non-conformist Chablis. Taking cues from legendary producers like Raveneau and Dauvissat, Moreau-Naudet makes ripe but precisely shaped Chablis that combine minerality with deeply concentrated substance. The lean, austere wines that became the norm for this region are less a reflection of the region’s true terroir and more a side-effect of high yield, early picking and machine harvesting.

Moreau-Naudet does the opposite. They harvest later, by hand, and look for a perfect balance of ripeness and freshness when, especially with the recent warm vintages, no chaptalization is needed. This approach in the vineyard is complemented by fully biodynamic farming and meticulous attention in the cellar where they allow nature to do the heavy lifting.

Sadly, winemaker Stephane Moreau suffered an untimely and tragic death in August 2016. When he passed unexpectedly it sent a shock through Burgundy and the wine world beyond. But since then Stephane’s wife, Virginie Moreau-Naudet (pictured above), has carried on her late husband’s philosophy and style with resounding success. Tasting these wines today we feel inspired and grateful for her and her family’s perseverance.

Petit Chablis

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.