Alex Moreau

Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Region: France - Burgundy

Alex Moreau

“It’s impossible to discuss Chassagne-Montrachet without mentioning the name Bernard Moreau.”

For four generations, the family has made some of the purest, most thought-provoking wines of the appellation. Their winemaking roots go back to 1809, when Auguste Moreau built the first cellar across from the La Maltroie vineyard in Chassagne-Montrachet and farmed a few hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot along the golden slope.

In the 1930s, the estate flourished under the direction of Marcel Moreau. A majority of the domaine’s vineyard holdings were acquired by Marcel during this time. In the early 1960s, Alex’s father, Bernard Moreau, joined what was then known as Domaine Marcel Moreau at only 14 years old. In 1977, the reputation of the estate was fully established, and Bernard put his own name on the label and took over the vineyards and cellar operations.

Domaine Alex Moreau is the natural progression of the storied Domaine Bernard Moreau. Alex’s father was a rightfully venerated vigneron in Burgundy. Employing a style of winemaking that might best be described as hands-off, the domaine produces Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that are sensual, opulent, and delicious. Alex Moreau joined the domaine in 1995, and it became known as Domaine Bernard Moreau et Fils. In vintage 2020, Alex assumed full control of the winery, cellar, and winemaking. He was quickly recognized as part of the new generation of talented winemakers in the Côte d’Or. After vinifying more than 25 vintages at Domaine Bernard Moreau et Fils, Alex decided it was time to put his own name on the label, as his father and his father before him had done. The 2021 vintage marked the first release under the Domaine Alex Moreau name.

As of 2022, Alex’s holdings shrank by an additional 12.53 acres (5 ha) with the expiration of an 18-year fermage agreement. Sadly, this was the source of Alex’s Aligoté and Passetoutgrains, as well as a large portion of his Chassagne-Montrachet village wines, both red and white. The good news is that, with the 2025 vintage, Domaine Alex Moreau now produces three new appellations: Monthélie Blanc, Monthélie 1er Cru Les Duresses Blanc, and Monthélie 1er Cru Les Clous Rouge. This brings the entire estate to 17.28 acres (7 ha).

The size of the estate may have changed, but Alex’s approach to winemaking has not.

Today, Alex Moreau and his wife Martine are the stewards of Domaine Alex Moreau. Alex leads the overall operations of the winery including cellar, winemaking, and the vineyards. Martine plays an active and vital role in the business, and together, they are writing the next chapter in the legacy of Domaine Alex Moreau.

 

The Wine

Vineyard Profile

Grand Cru vineyards straddle the line between the Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet appellations with 1/3 located in the former and 2/3 in the latter.  These plots are adjacent to the Grands Cru vineyards of Le Criots and Le Montrachet in Chassagne-Montrachet, and in Puligny-Montrachet just below Montrachet and adjacent to Bienvenues-Batârd-Montrachet.

  • Altitude: 820 feet
  • Soil: Brownish limestone and gravel
Harvest Notes
  • Hand harvested
  • Fermented using only indigenous yeast in 10 – 30% new, primarily François Frères French oak barrels
  • Aged 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels
  • Bottled without fining and typically unfiltered
Winemaker's Notes

In the 12th century, Batârd referred to a child born out of wedlock. From the beginning it was a derogatory term except when used in noble families, i.e. Le Batârd d’Orléans. With Batârd-Montrachet nestled just below Montrachet, it was certainly regarded from the beginning as noble.

Begins with a cool, refined, focused bouquet with petrichor and almost flinty aromas. Within a minute, more white flower and roasted almond scents emerge, creating a very complex and engaging bouquet. The palate is very well balanced with fine weight and density, a powerful Bâtard with a superb spine of acidity. An abiding sense of precision. Very fine.

Wine Summary

100% Chardonnay; alcohol: 13.5%; Grand Cru vineyards at 820 feet straddle the line between the Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet appellations; brownish limestone and gravel soil; hand harvested; fermented in 10 – 30% new,  primarily François Frères French oak barrels using only indigenous yeast; aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 18 months; bottled unfined and typically unfiltered.

Technical Information
  • 100% Chardonnay
  • Alcohol: 13.5%

 

General Info

Country France
Region Burgundy
Appellation(s) Chassagne-Montrachet, Volnay
Proprietors Alex Moreau
Founded 2020
Winemaker Alex Moreau
Annual Production
Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) Sustainable