Domaine Arlaud : Morey-Saint-Denis 1er cru "Les Ruchots" 2021

Tasting and Serving Characteristics of Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Ruchots" 2021, Domaine Arlaud

Tasting

Color

While specific details on the color of this vintage were not provided, this wine's typology aligns with classic Morey-Saint-Denis pinot noirs: a ruby to deep ruby hue, often shifting toward garnet with age.

Nose

The nose of Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Ruchots" 2021 opens on ripe red and black fruit (black cherry, raspberry, blackberry, black currant), layered with noble spices such as sweet pepper, clove, and nutmeg, alongside dried tobacco and light toasted notes. With aeration, the bouquet gains complexity, revealing undergrowth, humus, and graphite-like accents that speak to the mineral character of the terroir. Over time, these components evolve toward truffle notes.

Palate

This wine shows a full, velvety body, structured by tight yet finely polished tannins that provide backbone without hardness. The palate echoes the nose, combining ripe red and black fruit, spice, and earthy, forest-floor notes that culminate in a finish recalling tart cherry, smoky tea, and a flinty, stony impression. The finish is marked by an energetic drive that carries the mineral tension of the wine through to a long, persistent conclusion.

Food and wine pairings

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Ruchots" 2021 pairs beautifully with roasted game birds such as squab or guinea fowl, especially when served with truffle-based accompaniments and a light, flavorful jus. Its truffled undertones also make it a natural match for mushroom- and truffle-forward dishes, including creamy risottos or truffled egg preparations. Tender red meats, such as beef filet or veal, work well too, provided the sauces remain subtle rather than heavy. For a more plant-based approach, mushroom and root vegetable dishes with earthy, umami character also complement the wine's depth.

Serving and cellaring

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Ruchots" 2021 is best served at approximately 61°F (16°C). A light decanting is recommended while the wine is young, allowing it to open up without over-exposure to air.

Other characteristics

This wine has an alcohol content of 13%.

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Ruchots" 2021: A Mineral, Dense Pinot Noir from Domaine Arlaud

The Estate

Domaine Arlaud was founded in 1942 in Morey-Saint-Denis, in the heart of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits, following the marriage of Renée Amiot and Joseph Arlaud. Today the estate spans 17 hectares across 19 appellations, including four grand crus. Cyprien Arlaud, of the third generation, has led the domaine alone since 2013. The estate converted to organic farming in 2004 (certified 2010) and biodynamics in 2009, earning Biodyvin certification in 2014—making it the first certified biodynamic domaine in Morey-Saint-Denis.

The Vineyard

This wine originates from Les Ruchots, a premier cru climat in Morey-Saint-Denis lying just below Clos de Tart and adjacent to the Bonnes-Mares grand cru. The name derives from the dialectal term "reuchaux," referring to rocky outcrops that define this parcel. The soil is clay-limestone with abundant limestone pebbles, a rocky bed long recognized across Burgundy for producing dense, consistently ripe pinot noir. The vines benefit from the estate's biodynamic farming practices.

Winemaking and aging

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Ruchots" 2021 is harvested by hand and sorted across three successive tables to retain only the finest berries. About 70% of the fruit is destemmed, with the remaining 30% kept as whole clusters. A pre-fermentation maceration precedes fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by a cuvaison of at least three weeks. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 14 to 18 months, with roughly 20% new wood. No fining or filtration is applied.

Grape Variety

100% pinot noir.