2022 Domaine Moreau-Naudet Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons", Burgundy, France
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ABOUT THIS WINE
1er Cru Vaillons parcels are handpicked, like all our 1ers Crus and Grands Crus. The vineyard is planted on calcareous marls dating back to 1945 and spanning across 4 hectares (8.80 acres). Generally, they start in these parcels a few days before 1er Cru Vaulignot because 1er Cru Vaillons produces smaller but riper and more concentrated grapes thanks to the sun exposure and vines age of the parcels. Once the juices are in stainless still tanks, they first go through a 100% alcoholic fermentation activated with indigenous yeast during 15-18 days at low temperature (18°C) then through a 100% malolactic fermentation thanks to natural bacteria at 20°C for a few months.
After a first racking manipulation, the wine ages in tank on fine lies for at least 6 months with a pumping over on a weekly basis. Then it is fined before a cold filtration and bottling. This last part is done tank by tank, the rest of the wine remaining in tank at least 18 months. First bottling of 1er Cru Vaillons will be done by mid-February.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Virginie (Mimi) Moreau is proving more than equal to the task of taking over from her husband Stéphane. Stéphane, who was influenced by Vincent Dauvissat (who recommended him to us many years ago, and who remains an influence here) was a vigneron whose star burned very brightly, and the domaine continues along the lines he set, working organically, hand-picking, aiming for optimum maturity while avoiding any botrytis influence.
The cellar-work is also masterful, using 30% barrel-élevage for all the Premier and the Grand Cru, but not in such a way that oakiness can readily be detected in the wines (all the barrels are steamed rather than charred and there is no new oak except for in the straight Chablis, and then only one barrel per 100hl in order to age it prior to using for the Premiers Crus).
Virginie is now really totally confident in her role here, and the wines here, full of racy character, textural depth and complexity, seem to be better with every vintage.
Details:
| Grape(s) | Chardonnay |
| Farming | Organic |