Wines Morey-Saint-Denis Domaine Stéphane Magnien - Cuvée Petites Noix - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru "Cuvée Petites Noix" from Domaine Stéphane Magnien is a splendid expression of Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy's most evocative terroirs. The vintage 2022 was marked by a warm, sunny growing season with timely rainfall that allowed for full phenolic ripeness while preserving the grape's delicate acidity. This cuvée draws its character from the clay-limestone soils of the Premier Cru vineyards, which imbue the wine with both structure and minerality. The vinification at Stéphane Magnien is traditional, with an emphasis on gentle extraction, careful selection of fruit, and aging in French oak barrels, which imparts a touch of spice without overpowering the intrinsic elegance of the Pinot Noir.

Situated in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, Morey-Saint-Denis bridges the power of Gevrey-Chambertin and the finesse of Chambolle-Musigny. This region has a storied history, producing red wines of great complexity and ageing potential. The vineyards benefit from a semi-continental climate, with cool winters and warm summers moderated by limestone-rich soils, ideal for bringing out the aromatics and structure of Pinot Noir. The mosaic of small Premier Cru sites in Morey-Saint-Denis lends remarkable diversity, allowing producers such as Domaine Stéphane Magnien to express unique nuances in their cuvées.

For food pairings, this wine is exceptionally versatile, its silken tannins and bright fruit making it a match for refined poultry dishes such as roast duck with cherries or a classic coq au vin. The earthy undertones pair beautifully with local Burgundian cuisine, like oeufs en meurette or a wild mushroom risotto. It can also stand up to lightly spiced game birds and mature cheeses such as Epoisses or Comté.

When serving, decant the wine for thirty minutes to allow its bouquet of red berries, violets, and subtle spice to fully blossom. The ideal tasting temperature lies between 15 and 17°C. At this range, the wine's freshness, texture, and aromatic palette will be most expressive, delivering the nuanced charm for which Premier Cru Morey-Saint-Denis is renowned.