Morey-Saint-Denis

When you learn that the village of Morey-Saint-Denis was burned down during the Thirty Years’ War but that everyone was delighted that the vineyards remained unscathed, you understand what viticulture means to this small 135-hectare patch of land in the heart of the Côte-de-Nuits wine region. Just so you know—before you go digging through your encyclopedias—the Thirty Years’ War took place in the 17th century. This appellation produces both white and red wines, the former made from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, and the latter from Pinot Noir. The 16,000 hectoliters of Morey-Saint-Denis produced each year thrive on east-facing slopes with limestone subsoil. The reds have excellent aging potential, as they can be enjoyed up to 15 years after bottling. Visually, the red is not very dark but is very intense, purple with violet highlights when young. The whites have a very pale color. On the nose, red and black berries make up the majority of the bouquet, and notes of brandy emerge over time. Floral notes dominate the nose of the white wines.