Alice et Olivier De Moor

History of Domaine Alice et Olivier De Moor

The adventure of Domaine Alice et Olivier De Moor began in the late 1980s, driven by a simple and radical ambition: to produce the wines they themselves would want to drink. Olivier has his roots in Courgis, and it is there, beneath his grandparents' house, that the "old cellar" is found, where he still ages his Chablis today in oak barrels. Both graduates of the national school of oenology in Dijon, Alice, originally from the Jura, and Olivier met at a large Chablis estate, before honing their experience with several Burgundian producers.

Olivier planted their first plots as early as 1989, on the lieux-dits now iconic — Bel-Air, Clardy and Rosette. In 1994, they chose independence and devoted themselves fully to their vines, supplemented by the rental of plots near Saint-Bris. Their first true commercially released vintage dates from 1995, and from that point on, there was no looking back. At a time when a natural approach was still considered marginal in the Chablis region, their commitment to organic farming and additive-free winemaking earned them condescending looks from some neighbours. But the couple's determination and the growing quality of their wines have won over all the sceptics.

The organic conversion was officially recognised in 2005 and the Ecocert certification obtained in 2008. In 2007, they built a modern high-ceilinged cellar enabling entirely gravity-fed work, without pumping. In 2017, the domaine expanded by two hectares of Chablis Premier Cru, in Mont de Milieu and Vau de Vey. And when in 2016 frost and hail devastated 95% of their harvest, they launched the négociant activity known as Le Vendangeur Masqué, enabling them to work with organic grapes sourced from winemaker friends across all of France. Over the vintages, Domaine Alice et Olivier De Moor has become far more than a confidential address: it is today an unmissable reference for anyone seeking to purchase a fine wine of Burgundy with sharp energy and uncompromising minerality.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Alice et Olivier De Moor

The vineyard of Domaine De Moor extends across several communes of the Chablis and Auxerrois regions, each contributing its own geological and aromatic signature.

The Bel-Air and Clardy plots, located in the Chablis appellation, present a topsoil composed of a mixture of limestone and shallow clay over a layer of harder fossil-rich limestone. Clardy is distinguished by a particularly well-draining soil and the presence of white clay. The Rosette plot, also planted from 1989, completes this triptych of Chablis lieux-dits with a slightly richer and more accessible expression.

These Kimmeridgian limestone soils, rich in marine fossils, shells, sea urchins, crustaceans, ammonites and oysters (exogyra virgula), form the emblematic geological signature of Chablis. They impart to the wines a saline minerality, a natural tension and a great freshness.

In 2017, the domaine gained access to premier cru vineyards with Vau de Vey (0.92 hectare, vines planted in 1953) and Mont de Milieu (0.82 hectare, with plantings dating from the 1930s and 1980s). These two exceptional terroirs offer additional depth and verticality, characteristic of the great premier crus of the appellation.

For the Bourgogne Chitry and the Bourgogne Aligoté, both from the plot known as "Champagne", the soil is composed of brown clay over Kimmeridgian marls, with the presence of a few flint stones. This singular terroir gives the Aligoté a savoriness and a tension that elevate it to the level of many premier crus.

The Sauvignon Blanc plot in Saint-Bris benefits from a north-west exposure that allows it to ripen slowly and reach an optimal aromatic expression. The soil rests on eroded debris above a Portlandian bedrock, with well-draining brown clay. The first plantings of this legendary plot date back to 1902.

The entire vineyard is managed according to the principles of certified organic farming. Harvesting is done by hand, in small crates to avoid crushing the grapes, and yields are carefully controlled. Since 2016, the domaine has also integrated regenerative farming practices, with constant attention paid to biodiversity and soil health.

Winemaking at Domaine Alice et Olivier De Moor

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine De Moor can be summed up in one word: honesty. Olivier oversees the vineyard, and even signs the labels by hand, while Alice takes charge of the work in the cellar. This division of roles reflects the profound complementarity of the duo, who orchestrate each stage of production with the same benevolent rigour.

Winemaking follows the same philosophy as viticulture: natural fermentation on indigenous yeasts, slow, in Burgundian barrels. The wines are transferred by gravity, without pumping. No filtration is carried out and sulphur additions are absent during winemaking. A light sulphiting may however take place at bottling to preserve the lively expression and brilliance of the wines.

The ageing of the Chablis and the character cuvées is carried out in Burgundian barrels of varying ages, so that the wood never imposes itself over the fruit and the terroir. The younger cuvées, as well as the Sauvignon, are aged in cement or stainless steel vats. The various cuvées are aged for 12 to 16 months.

In 2008, the acquisition of a second-hand pneumatic press made it possible to press the grapes with maximum gentleness, preserving the integrity of the juice from the very first seconds of work. Throughout the process, intervention is kept to a strict minimum: no acidification, no chaptalization, no fining. The De Moor Chablis are distinguished by their brilliance and an unparalleled crystalline purity. The palates are fluid and relaxed, with a "spring water" quality that concludes on a saline finish.

The Cuvées of Domaine Alice et Olivier De Moor

Chablis L'Humeur du Temps

This is the domaine's entry-level cuvée, and already a statement of style. From plots in the Chablis appellation, this wine expresses the Kimmeridgian limestone of Courgis with disarming frankness. On the nose, notes of white flowers, damp chalk and citrus. On the palate, the texture is fluid, the tension rectilinear, and the finish saline and persistent. L'Humeur du Temps is a pared-back Chablis, admirable in its sharp energy, particularly limpid and luminous. To be enjoyed in its youth to make the most of its vibrant fruit, or to be cellared for two to five years to reveal a deeper minerality.

Chablis Bel-Air et Clardy

A blend of the domaine's two historic plots, planted as early as 1989, this cuvée forms the heart of the range. Bel-Air contributes roundness and balance; Clardy, with its highly draining white clays, imparts tension and vivacity. Together, they yield a Chablis of fine structure, more complex and suited to ageing for five to eight years. It is a mineral, flinty Chardonnay of very pronounced texture, from plots situated in the celebrated Chablis appellation. A gastronomic wine, perfect with seafood, delicate fish and aged goat's cheeses.

Chablis Rosette

From the eponymous lieu-dit, this Chablis presents a slightly different profile from the two preceding ones: with riper, fleshier fruit, Rosette remains shimmering, fuller-bodied and immediately accessible, yet no less persistent, endowed with elegant bitter notes on the finish. It is perhaps the most accessible cuvée in the domaine's range for a curious enthusiast wishing to discover the fine wine of Chablis. Fine ageing potential over four to six years.

Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey

The Vau de Vey (0.92 hectare) is planted with vines dating from 1953, which gives it the concentration and complexity characteristic of old vines. This premier cru embodies the absolute verticality of Chablis: a lively and precise attack, a mineral development with notes of warm flint, iodine and white flowers, and an impressive length on the palate. This terroir is renowned for its finesse and verticality. A wine for long ageing, ideally to be left to rest for eight to twelve years to express its full potential.

Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu

The Mont de Milieu (0.82 hectare) features plantings dating from the 1930s and 1980s, with an exceptional average vine age that is immediately perceptible in the glass. This premier cru develops a slightly richer and more vinous profile than the Vau de Vey, while retaining the precision and straightforwardness characteristic of the domaine. Complex nose blending white peach, fresh almond and gunflint. Ample, saline palate of great length. Superb ageing potential over ten to fifteen years. 

Bourgogne Aligoté

The Aligoté from Domaine De Moor is one of the great revelations of the range. From the "Champagne" plot in Chitry, on Kimmeridgian marls with flint undertones, it transcends any preconceptions one might hold about this variety. These Aligotés release a precious savoriness worthy of premier cru juice. Lively, chiselled, with a taut and saline finish, it is the perfect match for oysters, shellfish, and iodine-rich starters. 

Bourgogne Aligoté 1902

An extremely rare cuvée, produced only in the finest years and in very limited quantities, the Aligoté "1902" comes from the old vines of Saint-Bris planted in that year — over a century of life. Extraordinary concentration, depth of fruit, thoroughbred tension and incomparable length: this is Aligoté taken to the peak of its expression. 

Bourgogne Chitry

The purity, precision and intensity of flavours of the Bourgogne Chitry are remarkable, as is the radiant generosity of its ripe fruit. From the same "Champagne" plot as the Aligoté, this Chardonnay expresses the limestone of Chitry with a generosity and precision that make it a wine of character, at the crossroads of Chablis and Bourgogne Côte d'Or. 

Vin de France (formerly Saint-Bris Sauvignon)

From the Sauvignon Blanc plot in Saint-Bris, some of whose vines date back to 1902, this wine is today marketed as a Vin de France. The north-west exposure of the plot allows the Sauvignon to ripen slowly, reaching an optimal aromatic expression. Rich, ample, with an unusual complexity for a Sauvignon, it deliberately breaks away from the variety's codes to deliver something deeper and more lasting. Olivier approaches it in the same way as his Chablis: low yields, measured ripeness, and a wine of assertive personality.

Le Vendangeur Masqué (négociant activity)

Since 2009, Alice and Olivier De Moor have created a négociant activity called "Le Vendangeur Masqué" to offer complementary cuvées from organically farmed grapes sourced from the Chablis and Bourgogne Blanc appellations, as well as from various French vineyards depending on encounters and vintages. These wines may include blends of Clairette from the Drôme, Chardonnay from southern Burgundy or the Ardèche, Riesling from Alsace, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Aligoté from the domaine's own plots.