Chablis 1er Cru Montmilieu De Moor 2023

Chablis 1er Cru Montmilieu De Moor 2023, biodynamic, no added sulphites, exceptional wine expressing ‘Sunlight captured by Water’ (Bottle shock).  The Mont de Milieu is a prestigious 1er Cru vineyard in Chablis, known for producing elegant and complex wines that reflect the original terroir of the region, a combination of Kimmeridgian limestone, clay, and millions of fossilized oyster shells, which provide the distinctive, sharp, flinty minerality known as goût de terroir.  The site is also hugely impatced by its steep slope, south facing exposure and protection from the north winds by a small woodland.  This sun drenched terroir covers 44 hectares and is split between a number of different producers, but very little of the vineyard is worked according to biodynamic and natural methods as with De Moor.  

This wine is fine, delictae, racy and minerally on the surface, deep, rich and profound underneath.  For racy, drink as young as possible but to experience the creamy, golden expression that Chalis can give you, cellar is for at least 6-8 years.  Sadly, we only got 2 bottles of this 2023 vintage!

They started a small winery in Courgis, a small village 7km SW of Chablis in the mid nineties whilst still working for larger wine estates. From the outset, the vision was a natural one and at the time, Chablis was dominated by large scale industrial production and the horror of the ubiquitous petit Chablis dominated the landscape.

So their decision was brave and pioneering. Over time the domaine they started from scratch grew to include a 'chai' which is managed using only gravity. All work is natural in the vines. Rigorous pruning, sensible de-budding and careful canopy management with manual leaf thinning are all carried out to control the yields and ensure the best, most expressive grapes. Wild grasses are allowed to grow between the rows and they work the vines using a horse. Winemaking is as simple as possible. The grapes are hand-harvested, pressed into tank or barrel, where they undergo a wild yeast fermentation. Ageing in tank/barrel takes place for a further year. There is generally no sulphur added at any stage.

The wines are all delicious, minerally and subtly complex. They are defined by razor sharp acidity and a lean profile which indicates a long life span and will reward ageing.