Specifications:

• Founded Date: December 1936
• Alcohol Percentage: Varies by vintage, typically around 13-14%
• Region: Côte de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy, France
• Main Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
• Production: Majority red wine, with about 5% white wine

Description:

Morey-Saint-Denis is a commune and corresponding appellation in the Côte de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy, France. The communal Morey-Saint-Denis appellation was created in December 1936. The appellation covers the production of both red and white wines. However, the vast majority of the wines produced under the appellation are red, made from the Pinot Noir grape variety. Only about five percent of production is devoted to white wines, similar to Fixin and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Most of these are made from Chardonnay, as one might expect. However, one or two parcels are planted with Pinot Blanc or Aligoté.

The village is home to four Grand Cru vineyards: Clos Saint-Denis, Clos de la Roche, Clos des Lambrays and Clos de Tart. The latter is a monopole of the estate of the same name. All but a fraction of Clos des Lambrays is owned by Domaine des Lambrays. There are five, however if one includes the northern section of Bonnes-Mares. This crosses over from neighboring Chambolle-Musigny.

The commune currently has about 140 hectares (345 acres) under vine. This is divided almost equally between the village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru classifications. The vines are planted on thin, well-drained, oolitic limestone on the higher slopes and richer soils with a high marlstone component on the lower slopes. As is standard for a Cote d’Or commune, Morey’s vineyards range in altitude from 240 to 360 meters (800 to 1200ft). The village-level vineyards are located on the lower and very highest slopes, while the Grand Crus and Premier Crus occupy the heart of the mid-slope. Their precise distribution depends on the soil make-up and aspect of the plots.