Morey Saint-Denis Premier Cru ‘Les Ruchots’ Domaine Arlaud 2019

Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru "Les Ruchots" from Domaine Arlaud is an intense, rich and complex Pinot Noir with considerable potential for evolution and aging. Morey-Saint-Denis is located in the central area of the Côte de Nuits, between Gevey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musugny. It is an area of high value, which within the municipal area is home to 20 Climats classified as Premier Cru and 5 Grands Crus. The history of this small hamlet has always been linked to that of its legendary wine, recognized with the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in 1936. The Premier Cru "Les Ruchots" parcel is located right on the Route des Grands Crus, in the southern area, bordering Chambolle-Musugny.

Pinot Noir Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru "Les Ruchots" was born in a family business founded after World War II. Domaine Arlaud has about 15 hectares of vineyards, conducted since 2004 under organic farming, without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Since 2009, the conversion of the entire estate to biodynamic management began, with the use of horn manure, horn-silica, compost and herbal teas. Biodynamic certification was achieved in 2014. To avoid compacting the soils and encourage the natural vitality of the soils, tillage between the rows is done with the help of horses, without the use of machineries. The vines are cultivated at an altitude between 220 and 270 meters, on soils composed of limestone and clay, particularly suited to the needs of Pinot Noir. The name of the Premier Cru "Les Ruchots" comes from the presence of pebbles and crushed stone, which make the soils particularly draining and poor. The clusters are selected, in the vineyard and then on sorting tables, before being sent to fermentation with a part of unstemmed grapes. The wine matures for about a year in French oak barrels.

Premier Cru "Les Ruchots," from Domaine Arlaud, is a remarkable Morey-Saint-Denis, characterized by good structure, power and complexity, following the best tradition of the great Pinot Noirs of the Côte de Nuits. In the glass it is a beautiful dark ruby red color with luminous highlights. Elegant and intense, it is characterized by aromas of small red berries, aromas of underbrush, notes of delicate spices and hints of graphite. On the palate it has a dense and fine tannic texture, with rich, multifaceted and persistent aromas, giving a harmonious, fresh and mineral finish.