Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy

Alex Moreau

Wines

The Moreau domaine was established in 1809 by Auguste Moreau and has remained in the family ever since. During the 1930s, Marcel Moreau was responsible for acquiring additional vineyards, with this expansion now constituting about 80% of the vineyard holdings. Bernard, for whom the domaine was previously named, assumed production responsibilities in the early 1960s at the young age of 14. Under his leadership in the late 1970s, the domaine truly gained recognition for its exceptional wines. Passed down through generations, it is now Bernard’s son, Alex, who holds the stewardship of this beloved Burgundian gem.

Today the Moreau’s farm 14 hectares of vines, largely in the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet but some tiny holdings are located in Volnay and Saint-Aubin. Chardonnay dominates but some Pinot Noir is also grown, Moreau being known for producing some of the best reds in Chassagne-Montrachet. Bottlings include Morgeot, Grandes Ruchottes, La Maltroie, Les Chenevottes, Chevalier-Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet to name a few. Like the vast majority of great estates in Bourgogne the focus lies on terroir, therefore it is a given for Alex to farm the vineyards in a sustainable manner. Pesticides and herbicedes are completely eschewed, instead plowing is applied, and when needed only organic fertiliser is used. Yields are kept low through pruning, debudding, and when appropriate green harvesting around August. Cover crops are used, and grapes are only harvested by hand.

Alex belong to the next generation of talented winemakers in Bourgogne whom are characterized by formal studies and international experience — but the wines go through classic Burgundian winemaking. Whites see whole bunch pressing, lengthy fermentations which is the preference here, carried out by ambient yeast, extended ageing on the lees without stirring (12-20 months), and new oak ranges between 10-50 %. Bigger barrels is the melody and when the percentage of new oak gets higher Alex is thorough when choosing the degree of toasting (low-med) in order to not impart excessive oak influence. 

Alex holds the talent to really show the diversity of Chassagne-Montrachet’s different terroirs, each wine truly expressing its specific origin, something far from all vignerons are capable to do. The domaine is today one of the most exciting producers in Côte d’or. Crafting intense, elegantly textural, utterly delicious wines full of balance and finesse.