Uncorked: Anne Moreau

Anne Moreau of Domaine Louis Moreau in Chablis was born in the Gers Département in southwest France – the land of foie gras. Her father introduced her to the wines of Bordeaux at an early age and it was at Vinexpo Bordeaux where Anne met her future husband, Louis. After studying business in Bordeaux and Spain and spending six months in Napa as well as doing a spell in Madrid for Sopexa, she settled in Chablis in 1994 and married Louis the year after. They now have two daughters. Anne handles PR for the family estate and manages multiple markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, India, USA, Spain, and Italy and also serves on the BIVB Communications Committee. She speaks to dbHK about inviting Frank Sinatra for dinner and her weakness for dark chocolate.

What vintage are you? 

1969. A long time ago! But it’s one of Burgundy’s ‘lucky nines’ so it was a good vintage, for me and wine!

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

A bottle of Batard-Montrachet that I had one casual Saturday evening with my in-laws. It was a relaxed occasion over a great dinner which is what wine is all about. I have very fond memories of that time.

What would you be as a wine?

Easy-drinking, vibrant, nothing too high-level. Something that makes people happy. A sparkling white perhaps, but nothing too oaky. Bubbles makes everything better.

Where are you happiest?

Anywhere where I can travel and meet people. I loved India; we went to Old Delhi and Mumbai. People were so open and friendly, it was a real lesson in humility. I also really like Australia.

What’s your greatest vice?

My husband can probably tell you more about this than me! Chocolate, probably. I just love 75-85% dark chocolate but just by itself. People say that red wine and chocolate go together and I have to say, I disagree.

Best advice you have ever got?

Not to regret anything that you do so it means that you have to think more about doing anything but then dare to do things that you love. It’s something I say to my two girls; I think it’s a good motto to live by.

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?

Tough question! Probably our jeroboam of Cristal 1986. Louis worked at the Roederer Estate in Mendocino and they gave us a bottle for our wedding. It was beautiful.

What’s the best and worst thing about the wine business?

The best thing is meeting people from all over the world. It’s so enriching and we are so lucky. The worst thing is that you meet people who seem to think they know everything about wine when really, some of the most knowledgeable people are the most humble.

What’s on your wine bucket list?

I’ve never tasted Domaine de la Romanee Conti. It’s really hard to get hold of in France – it’s probably easier in Hong Kong! I want to see what all the fuss is about. So I’d like to taste with Aubert de Villaine and he can guide me through.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Aubert de Villaine, Lalou Bize-Leroy, she’s so in love with her vines. She seems like such an interesting character – a bit out of control maybe but she has such a strong passion. Frank Sinatra, he comes from such a romantic decade – and those blue eyes! I would serve our Les Clos des Hospices. I love the 2005 vintage.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)

95 or 96. I’m very happy with my life. I’ve been very lucky. Some people think the grass is greener but it’s not right to always want to change things. So far so good!

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

Whatever my best latest vintage will be.