Christian Moreau Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru 2022

Winery Background and History

Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils, rooted in Chablis since 1814, is a family-owned estate renowned for its commitment to expressing the unique terroir of Chablis. After a period under corporate ownership, Christian Moreau reestablished the family domaine in the late 1990s. Today, his son, Fabien Moreau, leads the winemaking, emphasizing sustainable practices and minimal intervention to produce wines that reflect the purity and minerality characteristic of Chablis. 

Producer and Winemaker

Fabien Moreau, the sixth-generation winemaker at Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils, oversees both vineyard management and winemaking. Educated in viticulture and oenology, Fabien combines traditional methods with modern techniques to craft wines that showcase the distinctiveness of each vineyard site. His approach emphasizes organic farming, hand-harvesting, and careful vinification to preserve the expression of terroir in each bottle.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Les Clos Grand Cru vineyard, the largest and most prestigious in Chablis, spans approximately 26 hectares with a southwest exposure. Domaine Christian Moreau owns a 3-hectare parcel within Les Clos, featuring vines averaging 50 to 60 years old. The vineyard’s Kimmeridgian limestone soils, rich in marine fossils, contribute to the wine’s pronounced minerality. The microclimate, characterized by cool temperatures and ample sunlight, allows for slow ripening, preserving acidity and enhancing flavor complexity. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure optimal quality. Fermentation occurs using indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, typically in a 60/40 ratio, to balance freshness and complexity. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged on fine lees for 12 to 14 months, with periodic bâtonnage to enhance texture and depth. This approach preserves the wine’s purity while adding subtle richness.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Les Clos Grand Cru presents a pale golden hue with a luminous clarity. The nose offers aromas of yellow plum, wet stone, baked bread, and pressed white flowers. On the palate, it is well-balanced with fine delineation, showcasing flavors of citrus confit, apricot, and crushed rocks. The wine exhibits very good salinity and tension, leading to a superbly precise finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Grand Cru Chablis pairs excellently with a variety of dishes. Its minerality and acidity complement seafood such as oysters, scallops, and lobster. It also pairs well with poultry dishes, creamy sauces, and soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. The wine’s structure and depth make it versatile for both delicate and rich culinary preparations.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the 2022 Les Clos Grand Cru at a temperature of 12°C to 14°C (54°F to 57°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and balance. Use a Burgundy-style white wine glass to enhance the wine’s bouquet and texture. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving can help open up its flavors and aromas, especially in its youth.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. The 2022 vintage has the potential to age gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years, developing additional complexity and depth. With proper cellaring, expect the emergence of tertiary notes such as honey, nuts, and earthy nuances, enhancing the wine’s richness and character.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13%

Scores

• Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 94–96

• Wine Spectator: 94

• Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy): 93