The 2019 Domaine Michel Magnien Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Les Chaffots offers aromas of ripe red berries, subtle floral notes, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, it presents a medium-bodied profile with silky tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a long, elegant finish. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, this wine is approachable now and has the potential to age gracefully.

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Geographic description
First mentioned as far back as 1120, fourteenth century Morey was a place of asylum for Cistercian monks who appeared to have possessed numerous vineyards and even a winery by 1306. The appellation extends from Chambolle-Musigny to Gevrey-Chambertin and covers around 148 hectares, 80% of which are planted with grapes for red wines. Les Chaffots indicates places where hay barns used to stand. Elsewhere, the name is "Echaffaud" (scaffold), forks etc. So it is probably the place where those sentenced to death were executed.

Geological description
This plot of Premier Cru is located above "Clos Saint-Denis". The wines are planted on fossil stones, on a very steep slope.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest/Vintage: 2019; hand-harvested grapes from an excellent Burgundy vintage
Oak: Partially aged in previously used French oak barrels and terracotta jars/amphorae; no new oak used in the domaine's current approach
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Farming/Vineyard:Les Chaffots Premier Cru vineyard, situated above Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru in Morey-Saint-Denis. Steep slopes with fossil-rich limestone stones and rocky soils. Biodynamic viticulture, with Demeter certification.
Winemaking: Traditional Burgundy vinification with careful extraction through punching down or gentle pumping over. Ageing in a combination of previously used French oak barrels and terracotta jars to preserve fruit freshness and express the vineyard's terroir.
Winemaker/Producer: Frédéric Magnien; Domaine Michel Magnien
Region/Appellation: Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Classification: Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru AOC – Les Chaffots

Serving Temperature: 14–16°C
Decanting: 30–45 minutes; gentle aeration helps reveal its dark fruit, floral and mineral characteristics
Food Pairing: Roast duck, tournedos of beef, venison, roast lamb, grilled beef, wild mushrooms, roasted lentils with grapes and mature cheeses