Wines Morey-Saint-Denis Domaine Stéphane Magnien - Faconnières - 2019

Viniou Reviews

The 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru "Cuvée Faconnières" from Domaine Stéphane Magnien is a testament to the refined elegance of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, this wine hails from the renowned Les Faconnières vineyard, a climatically favoured premier cru plot known for its exceptional exposure and mineral-rich soils. The 2019 vintage speaks of a balanced growing season: warm days and cool nights have blessed the grapes with both ripe fruit concentration and fresh, vibrant acidity. Domaine Stéphane Magnien favours low-intervention, precise vinification, resulting in a wine of finesse, purity, and considerable ageing potential.

The Côte de Nuits, and Morey-Saint-Denis in particular, is revered in the world of fine wine for its patchwork of grand and premier crus. Spanning gentle slopes with predominantly limestone and clay soils, this area benefits from a semi-continental climate, with chilly winters and sun-soaked summers that allow Pinot Noir to slowly develop complexity and nuance. While often overshadowed by its neighbouring appellations, Morey-Saint-Denis produces reds of subtle power and silken structure—sitting stylistically between the muscularity of Gevrey-Chambertin and the perfume of Chambolle-Musigny. The region's winemaking tradition stretches back centuries, resulting in a deep understanding of site expression and grape character.

A Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru such as this partners beautifully with refined cuisine. Traditional Burgundian dishes like coq au vin or duck breast with cassis sauce bring out its succulent red fruit and earthy undertones. The wine is equally at ease with roast rack of lamb, guinea fowl with wild mushrooms, or a mushroom risotto, capturing both its savouriness and subtle floral notes. For cheese pairings, a Saint-Nectaire, aged Comté or a washed-rind Epoisses make ideal matches.

To best appreciate this wine’s youthful vitality and promise of evolution, serve at 15-17°C. Decanting for around one hour will open its bouquet of cherries, rose petals, and forest floor. This bottle is likely to evolve gracefully over 5-10 years, gaining even greater nuance and harmony.