Location and Terroir
Morey-Saint-Denis is a village appellation on the Côte de Nuits. The geographical production area comprises exclusively the commune Morey-Saint-Denis in the Côte-d’Or department in Burgundy, and lies between the appellations Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny. The vineyards are predominantly oriented to the east and are situated at around 220 to 270 metres above sea level. Below the village, the slope orientation changes, while the soils become more marly.
The soils consist of limestone as well as clay-limestone formations of the Middle Jurassic. In the upper slope area, white Bathonian oolite can be found; at the foot of the slope, fossil-bearing Bajocian limestone. The wine-growing area lies in a strongly rugged geological zone, whose different sections are associated with individual Climats.
Wines and Grape Varieties
The appellation produces still red and white wines, with the red wines predominating. For red wines, Pinot Noir is the most important grape variety; Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are permitted as supplementary varieties and may together account for at most 15 percent per parcel. White wines are produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc; in the Monts Luisants Climat, Aligoté is additionally permitted.
The red wines are described professionally as ruby to garnet in colour, with aromas of red and black fruits and a structured palate. The white wines are considered balanced, powerful and full-bodied.
Appellation Law and Viticulture
The Morey-Saint-Denis AOC was first recognised by decree on 8 December 1936. The designation may be supplemented by the name of the respective Climat and, where applicable, by the addition Premier Cru. In the commune, there are 20 Climats classified as Premier Cru. In addition, the five Grand-Cru appellations Clos de Tart, Bonnes-Mares, Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint-Denis and Clos des Lambrays are produced there.
At least 9,000 vines per hectare are prescribed. The spacing between rows may be at most 1.25 metres, and the spacing between vines within a row must be at least 0.50 metres. Short pruning and single Guyot are permitted. For red-wine vines, no more than eight designated buds per vine are allowed; for white-wine vines, depending on pruning, up to ten and respectively eight buds are permitted.
Permanent grassing of the headlands is required; irrigation is not permitted. Grass cover, erosion and the health and cultivation status of the vines must be monitored. Harvested grapes must be transported to be received in a way that protects them from rain.
Historical Background
The history of the wine-growing village was shaped by the religious house of Vergy, the abbeys of Cîteaux and Tart, as well as Burgundian families.
