# Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Genavrières (2017)

- **Producer:** Lucien Le Moine
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €104
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, plum, redcurrant, vanilla, cloves, cedar, earth, mushroom

## About this wine

The Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Genavrières 2017 by Lucien Le Moine is a rare red wine from Burgundy, France. Produced from 100% Pinot Noir, it hails from the Premier Cru vineyard site of Les Genavrières, known for its high altitude and limestone-rich soils. Lucien Le Moine is a highly regarded micro-négociant founded by Mounir Saouma, whose winemaking philosophy emphasizes purity and terroir expression through meticulous aging. The name 'Les Genavrières' is thought to derive from juniper bushes, adding a historical layer to this unique wine. The 2017 vintage is noted for producing classic Burgundian wines that are drinking well.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Les Genavrières' likely refers to juniper bushes that once grew on the vineyard's slopes.
- This climat is exceptionally small, covering only 1.2 hectares (about 2.9 acres).
- The vineyard's high elevation (up to 330 meters) creates a cooler microclimate, aiding grape acidity.
- Lucien Le Moine is a micro-négociant, meaning they purchase grapes or young wine rather than owning vineyards.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and ripe tannins complement the richness of proteins like duck and veal. Its bright acidity cuts through the fattiness of dishes like brown butter scallops, while the red fruit notes harmonize with fruit-based sauces or earthy mushrooms.

## Wine making process

Lucien Le Moine's Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Genavrières 2017 is crafted with a distinctive approach. As a micro-négociant, Mounir Saouma purchases juice or young wine and oversees its 'élevage' (raising). Key techniques include extended aging on lees for texture, a late malolactic fermentation, and aging entirely in 100% new French oak barrels from the Jupilles forest. The wine is bottled by gravity, without clarification or filtration, emphasizing purity and terroir expression. Saouma also utilizes CO2 for wine protection, a less common practice than relying on sulfur dioxide.