Although their first commercial vintage was only in 2002, this is now one of the finest and most sought after domaines in Chablis. 6 hectares of Chablis Grand Cru and 5 hectares of Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon. These are wonderfully sited vineyards which for generations have been the personal property of the Moreau family. The family now have no connection or contract with the large and respected négociant of the same name. Christian, a larger-than-life personality, and his highly qualified oenologue son Fabien are making spectacular hand-crafted Chablis.
All their grapes are handpicked from vines which average 40-70 years old. The village Chablis is completely vinified in stainless steel. The 1er and Grands Crus are predominantly vinified in stainless steel, but also see some barrel fermentation and maturation – but never more than 5% new oak. Clos des Hospices has been a family owned monopole since 1904. It is situated on a lower, southerly exposure, with richer soils, giving a wine which is fuller and rounder. These are brilliant, bracing, classic, minerally Chablis. They are certified as organic.
The appellation of Vaillon is located on the left bank of Chablis. The family have 6 parcels of a total area of 4,7 ha in the historical heart of the Vaillons, all exposed south/south-east. The soil is also from the Kimmeridgien period with clay-limestone marls very rich of marine fossils, and most specifically small oyster fossils, called Exogyra Virgula. They produce two wines, the house Premier Cru Vaillon, a blend of five different parcels which average age is from 37 to 74 years old – and a Premier Cru Vaillon 'Cuvée Guy Moreau', from a single parcel of 1 ha where the vines were planted in 1933 by Guy Moreau, Christian’s father. This is the oldest vine of the Domaine.
