Santenay 1er Cru rouge Grand Clos Rousseau AOC 2024
An elegant Burgundy Pinot Noir from one of the most renowned vineyard sites of the Côte de Beaune, reflecting the typical finesse and terroir character of the Morey house.
Bottler: Domaine Thomas Morey, 9 rue du Nord, 21190 Chassagne-Montrachet / France
In the glass
Colour
Luminous ruby red with violet reflections, typical of a young Pinot Noir from Burgundy
Nose
Fresh red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and strawberry, underscored by delicate floral notes and a hint of earth and undergrowth
Palate
Medium-bodied and silky on the palate, with vibrant acidity, fine silky tannins and a balanced, fruit-driven finish
Character
Classic, elegant Burgundy with mineral depth and the characteristic finesse of Santenay Premier Cru sites – accessible in its youth, with potential for further development
Pairing
Roasted entrecôte, Coq au Vin, ripe Époisses or Comté
Notes
Thomas Morey, son of Burgundy legend Bernard Morey, works with precise craftsmanship and minimal intervention; the Grand Clos Rousseau vineyard site is considered one of the finest Premier Cru sites in Santenay with deep, clay-limestone soils
Tasting note
Character
The Grand Clos Rousseau ranks among the more serious Premier Crus of Santenay – a wine that represents the often underestimated southern Côte de Beaune with quiet conviction. Thomas Morey, one of the most meticulous craftsmen of the appellation, has the gift of giving Pinot Noir here a precise, earth-bound voice: not pleasantness for its own sake, but authenticity and substance.
Terroir & Origin
Santenay lies at the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune, where the hills flatten out and the terroir takes on its own distinctive character. The Grand Clos Rousseau benefits from a subsoil of limestone and clay-rich soils that lend the wine structure and depth. The cooler microclimate of this vineyard site preserves natural acidity and gives the Pinot Noir the necessary tension to develop over years. The vintage 2024 is considered demanding in Burgundy, yet for artisanal winemakers it represents an opportunity to prioritise elegance and freshness over richness.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Pure Pinot Noir – in Burgundy the only conceivable expression for a red Premier Cru. Thomas Morey, son of the legendary Bernard Morey, favours a respectful, minimalist approach in which provenance takes centre stage. The use of barriques serves maturation, not aromatisation. The result is a wine with fine tannins, lively acidity and the typical mineral depth that characterises good Santenays – approachable in youth, yet with the potential for development.
Food Pairing Suggestions
A classic companion to the Burgundian table. Excellent with Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon or a simple Poulet rôti. Equally convincing with aged Comté, game birds or calf’s kidneys with mustard sauce. Those wishing to experience the wine in all its tranquillity should serve it slightly warmed – and allow it time in the glass.
