2013 Thomas Morey Santenay Vieilles Vignes

Thomas Morey is a 10th-generation member of the Morey family of Chassagne, in Burgundy. He is the son of winemaker Bernard Morey, and his brother is Vincent Morey. In 2006 the domaine was split between the two brothers and Thomas now controls 23 acres mostly in Chassange-Montrachet, though there are also parcels in Maranges, Santenay, Saint-Aubin, Puligny-Montrachet and Beaune. The domaine produces red and white wines, though it is known mostly for its chardonnays, which include the Grand Cru Batard-Montrachet. There are several Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachets, and white Premier Crus from Beaune and Saint-Aubin. Thomas Morey’s red wines include Premier Crus from Maranges, Santenay and Beaune. Thomas Morey's first release was the 2007 vintage.

Santenay is the southernmost appellation in the Côte d’Or. The appellation includes the communes of Santenay and Remigny and it has 813 vineyard acres. Both red and white wines can be made within the Santenay appellation, though in practice about 85% of the wine produced here is red. Pinot Blanc may be used in white wines, though most white Santenays are 100% Chardonnay. Though there are no Grands Crus, Santenay boasts 12 Premiers Crus. Among the best Premiers Crus vineyards are Clos de Tavannes, La Comme, Les Gravières and Le Passe Temps. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “good Santenays share a robust, tannic, earthy character with a bouquet that suggests cherry and strawberry fruit intertwined with the smell of sautéed almonds.” Clive Coates has noted that the white wines of Santenay “should be crisp, medium-bodied and fruity, less racy but fuller than Saint-Aubins, perhaps with a touch of spice…”

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.