Alice et Olivier De Moor

From Courgis outsiders to cult status

Alice and Olivier settled in the village of Courgis, located southwest of Chablis, and began working their vineyards more than 30 years ago. Their starting point was simple: they wanted to grow grapes without using chemicals and with minimal intervention in the winemaking process compared to neighboring producers. At the time, this was rare in Chablis, and for a while they remained on the sidelines.

However, the wine spoke for itself. Gradually, other producers and connoisseurs began to notice that the de Moors’ wines possessed greater depth and character, in contrast to the harsh, “on-the-edge” style that dominated the appellation at the time. Although they had no grand plans, the couple, Alice and Olivier de Moor, became iconic figures in the “minimal intervention” movement that spread throughout France.

In recent years, the harvest has been severely affected by frost and hail. To keep the domaine running, they purchase grapes grown using organic and biodynamic farming methods from friends living further south. Under French law, such wines must be released under a separate label, which is why some bottles bear the name “Le Vendangeur Masqué” instead of the estate’s name. Incidentally, Olivier himself drew the illustration on the label.

Small plots around Courgis

This estate consists of small plots scattered across three neighboring appellations in northern Burgundy: Chablis, Chitry, and Saint-Bris. Courgis, where Alice and Olivier have settled, is located directly southwest of the town of Chablis. This is considered one of Burgundy’s coldest wine-growing regions, so yields are naturally low here. Within the Chablis region, grapes are grown not only on “Village” appellation plots but also on “Premier Cru” plots, Mont de Milieu and Vau de Vey. In addition to Chablis, they have vineyards in two lesser-known appellations, Chitry and Saint-Bris, where, in addition to Chardonnay, they also grow Aligoté and Sauvignon Blanc. Organic farming methods have been used on these plots for several decades.

Kimmeridgean limestone, cold nights

The soils around Courgis consist of the same Kimmeridgian limestone that made Chablis famous, Cretaceous marl speckled with tiny oyster fossils. This is the typical soil for Chardonnay in this region of Burgundy, imparting to the wine the salinity and minerality that form its foundation. Everything else depends on the climate. Due to the cooler conditions, the grapes require more time to achieve the desired ripening, this results in pronounced acidity, and modest yields. As recent vintages have shown, frosts pose a real and recurring threat. However, under favorable weather conditions, the combination of cold nights and limestone soils gives De Moor wines a unique firmness, a flavor that balances richness and clarity.

Chardonnay, and then some

Chardonnay is the primary grape variety, without which no wine bearing the name “Chablis” can be made. However, Alice and Olivier de Moor do not limit themselves to this variety alone; they also grow the following varieties: - Chardonnay: used to produce “Chablis” and “Bourgogne-Chitry” wines - Aligoté: the second most important white grape variety in Burgundy; they bottle it as several different cuvées - Sauvignon Blanc: used to produce wines from the appelation “Saint-Bris”. This is the only Burgundy appellation where the use of Sauvignon Blanc is permitted.

Hands off, on purpose

In their winemaking process, they consciously adhere to a restrained style. The grapes are harvested by hand. Only natural yeasts are used for fermentation; no cultured yeasts are added. The wine is aged in foudres (large, old barrels) or in barrels that have typically been in use for one to four years; this allows the wooden barrels to impart a moderate structure to the wine and enrich it with oxygen, without imposing overpowering aromas of vanilla or toasted bread in the glass.

No fancy techniques are used here, and that is precisely the point. The De Moor family does not seek to force the wine to conform to a “signature style.” The result is wines that, compared to a typical Chablis, usually have more pronounced cloudiness, a rich texture, and a more expressive character. Opinions on this are divided, but that doesn’t matter to them.

What we list, and where it fits

The wines produced by Alice and Olivier De Moor span three appellations and several grape varieties, offering a wide range, from simple “Village Chablis” to “Premier Cru Chablis.” As a small producer they still produce a large variety of different wines.
Some of their most popular wines are:

• Chablis l'Humeur du Temps


• Chablis La Rosette


• Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er cru


• Chablis Vau de Vey 1er cru

it releases négociant wines under the “Le Vendangeur Masqué” label.