Domaine A.F. Gros Morey-Saint-Denis 2017

Winery Background and History

Domaine A.F. Gros, established in 1988 by Anne-Françoise Gros, is a distinguished Burgundy estate rooted in the historic village of Pommard. The Gros family has been integral to Burgundy’s winemaking heritage since the 19th century, with Anne-Françoise representing the third generation. The domaine spans approximately 10 hectares, encompassing esteemed appellations such as Pommard, Vosne-Romanée, and Morey-Saint-Denis. Committed to expressing the unique terroirs of each vineyard, the estate practices sustainable viticulture and meticulous winemaking, resulting in wines celebrated for their elegance and depth.

Producer and Winemaker

Anne-Françoise Gros, the proprietor and winemaker, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Burgundian terroir to her craft. Her approach combines traditional techniques with modern precision, focusing on low yields, careful selection, and minimal intervention to allow the vineyards’ character to shine. Under her guidance, Domaine A.F. Gros has garnered acclaim for producing wines that balance finesse with complexity, reflecting both the legacy of the Gros family and the distinctiveness of each appellation.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Morey-Saint-Denis vineyard lies in the Côte de Nuits, nestled between Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny. This area is renowned for its limestone-rich soils and favorable microclimate, contributing to the production of Pinot Noir with remarkable structure and aromatic complexity. The 2017 vintage experienced a warm growing season with optimal conditions, leading to grapes of excellent ripeness and balance. The resulting wines exhibit both the power and elegance characteristic of Morey-Saint-Denis.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis was crafted using traditional Burgundian methods. Hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes underwent a cold maceration to extract color and aroma, followed by fermentation in open vats. The wine was then aged in French oak barrels, with a portion being new oak, for approximately 12 to 18 months. This aging process imparts subtle oak nuances while preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir.

Tasting Notes

This wine presents a deep ruby hue with a bouquet of red and black cherries, cranberries, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of ripe fruit flavors, forest floor, and subtle spice, supported by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and elegant, showcasing the wine’s balance and potential for aging.

Food & Wine Pairing

The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its complexity and structure complement roasted duck, game birds, and dishes featuring earthy mushrooms. It also harmonizes with beef bourguignon and aged cheeses like Comté. The wine’s versatility makes it suitable for both refined cuisine and hearty fare.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its nuances, serve this wine at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 30 minutes prior to serving can help open up its aromatic profile. Use Burgundy-style glasses to concentrate the aromas and enhance the tasting experience.

Storage and Aging Potential

Stored under optimal conditions—cool, dark, and with stable humidity—this wine can age gracefully for 8 to 12 years. Over time, it will develop more complex tertiary aromas, such as dried fruit, leather, and earthy notes, adding depth to its fresh fruit character.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%