J.Moreau & Fils - 2020 vintage

Chablis - Record-breaking harvests

The harvests

A record-breaking early harvest – the first Chablis grapes were harvested on 24th August. For the record, last year the first grapes were not picked until the 13th September! Record-breaking heat – temperatures regularly broke the 35°C mark (95°F). Many winemakers did their harvesting at night-time to deliver optimal juice quality. Record-breaking quantities of grapes picked – we pressed the equivalent of more than 40 hectares (98.84 acres). Record-breaking numbers of old vines with more than 50 hectares (123.55 acres) of vines aged between 40 and 55 years, not to mention plots of Chablis dating to 1934 and plots of Aligoté planted in 1929! A record-breaking year for HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale – a system of certification awarded by the French Ministry of Agriculture). For J. Moreau & Fils, this certification is something that really marks them out – and more and more winemakers partnering with the House are following in their footsteps (from Bourgogne Aligoté to Grand Cru…) Record-breaking disinfection measures taken to protect employees and wine-makers and help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The initial tastings

‘We’ve got acidity levels that are just right for the balance we’re trying to achieve. Fermentation is coming along very nicely; we’re working with grapes with decent levels of sugar (unlike the previous two years) and the yeasts, whether naturally-occurring or selected, seem to appreciate this. The process of alcoholic fermentation has been completed in more than 95% of vats. The Chablis features intense aromas of pink grapefruit and pear. We put the Premiers Crus and Grands Crus into oak barrels, using a large number of 450 and 500 litre barrels which will really add to the wines’ finesse and elegance. Malolactic fermentation will bring extra roundness and lots of complexity to our wines.’
LUCIE DEPUYDT