2025 Christian Moreau Petit Chablis, Burgundy

The 2025 Petit Chablis had been bottled three weeks before my visit in June. This has a fragrant nose with lime and citrus fruit, with just a touch of nectarine. The palate is well balanced with a tangy entry, a fine thread of acidity and a lively, lychee-tinged finish. It will be difficult to resist, so why bother? Drink 2026-2030.

Neal Martin Vinous

Christian Moreau is one of Chablis’ historic family names, with roots in the region stretching back to 1814. Christian established the modern Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils in 2002, later joined by his son Fabien, and the family has an enviable collection of vineyards including important holdings in the Grand Cru Les Clos. Petit Chablis may sit at the beginning of the range, but the same focus on purity and regional character is very much present.

Petit Chablis typically comes from vineyards on the higher slopes and plateaux surrounding Chablis, where younger Portlandian limestone soils differ from the Kimmeridgian marl of the better known Chablis sites. Chardonnay here tends towards a brighter, more immediate style. The 2025 is about citrus, crisp orchard fruit and refreshment rather than weight or complexity, making it a particularly appealing introduction to the domaine.

Very pale straw with green highlights. Lemon zest, green apple and crisp pear open into white peach and grapefruit, followed by delicate blossom and fresh fennel. The palate is dry and lively, with citrus and crunchy orchard fruit carried by bright acidity. Lemon peel, fresh almond and a subtle stony note sharpen the clean, mouthwatering finish.

Oysters with lemon need virtually no introduction, while salt and pepper squid, kingfish crudo, steamed prawns or zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta all suit its brisk personality. Cellaring: Drink now to 2030.