Chassagne-Montrachet Vielles Vignes Rouge AOC 2023

Wine Description for Chassagne-Montrachet Vielles Vignes Rouge AOC 2023 by Thomas Morey

Colour & Appearance

Transparent ruby red – classically Burgundian in its elegance and clarity, which reveals the provenance of old vines.

Nose

Subtle and still rather reserved, this young Pinot Noir presents itself with notes of dark berries, cherries and red plums. These are joined by fascinating hints of tar and cola, complemented by mineral nuances of crushed stone and earthy undergrowth – an aromatic profile that promises depth and complexity.

Palate

Here the 2023 still shows itself youthfully closed: firmly structured with muted, ripe tannin and a taut acidity that gives the wine backbone. The fruit appears compact, yet warm and fully ripe. In the background, a slightly nutty-smoky oak note that integrates discreetly. Characteristic is the earthy minerality, reminiscent of great Pommards – dark-juiced, with a hint of sharpness and a cool-mineral character that is typical of Thomas Morey’s signature.

Finish

Medium-length with fine tannin structure and lingering stony minerality. The wine still needs time to unfold its full expressiveness.

Terroir & Origin

From three historic parcels – Bottes, Clos Bernot and Dessus des Murs – near the village of Chassagne-Montrachet. The vines were planted between 1933 and 1969. Whilst the younger parcel has brown, loamy soils, the older sites are sandier, more permeable and sit on a ridge. The yield from these old vines rarely exceeds 45 hl/ha.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir from old vines, largely destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in neutral barrel and tank. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation, approximately 20% new oak. Minimal sulphiting only in the last six months (max. 35 mg/l total) – an approach that places purity and terroir expression to the fore.

Special Features

A hidden gem for Burgundy lovers: whilst Chassagne is world-renowned for its white wines, the red wines offer excellent quality at remarkably fair prices. Even Camille Rodier praised the red Chassagnes in his classic work „Le Vin de Bourgogne“ as equal to some Côte de Nuits crus. This wine impressively confirms this assessment.