Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey Saint Denis Rouge 1er Cru La Riotte 2022

Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Riotte 2022 is a precise, finely etched expression of premier cru Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy’s most respected domaines. Sourced from the celebrated La Riotte vineyard, this cuvée marries purity of fruit with the savoury, silken structure that defines great Morey-Saint-Denis. It stands out for its old-vine concentration, meticulous craftsmanship, and the Lignier family’s hallmark restraint and elegance, offering a wine that is both charming in youth and built for graceful aging.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 La Riotte shows a luminous, medium ruby colour with garnet hues at the rim, hinting at both intensity and finesse. The nose is delicately expressive yet layered, with aromas of wild raspberry, red cherry and pomegranate intertwined with rose petals, peony, and a touch of blood orange zest. Subtle undertones of crushed stone, fine spice, and a whisper of forest floor gradually emerge as the wine opens. On the palate, this premier cru is refined and poised rather than showy, with a silken texture and a vibrant, mouth-watering core of red berries and tart cherry. The mid-palate reveals savoury nuances of tea leaf, subtle sous-bois, and a gentle spice profile from sensitive oak élevage, all wrapped in fine-grained tannins and bright, mineral-driven acidity. The finish is long, pure and saline-tinged, promising further complexity with time in bottle. Enjoyable in its youth with proper aeration, the 2022 has the structure and balance to age gracefully for 10–15 years, gaining in aromatic depth and tertiary character.

Production
La Riotte is a respected premier cru climat in Morey-Saint-Denis, characterised by its well-drained, limestone-rich clay soils and a slightly cooler exposition that favours finesse over sheer power. Hubert Lignier traditionally works with low-yielding Pinot Noir vines, many of them old, tended via sustainable, labour-intensive vineyard practices and predominantly manual harvesting at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness and aromatic precision. In the cellar, the grapes are carefully sorted, with a thoughtful use of whole clusters depending on the vintage, followed by a gentle, traditional Burgundian vinification in open vats. Fermentations proceed with indigenous yeasts, and extraction is kept moderate to emphasise elegance. The wine is matured in French oak barrels—typically with a judicious proportion of new wood—to add subtle texture and complexity without overshadowing the terroir expression of La Riotte.

Food & Serving
This Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru is a versatile partner at the table, shining alongside refined dishes that echo its delicacy and nuance. Think roast duck with cherries, grilled pigeon, veal tenderloin with morels, or guinea fowl with truffle jus; it also pairs beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, such as wild mushroom risotto, and gently aged cheeses like Comté or Tomme. Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F) to highlight its aromatic lift and textural finesse. Young bottles benefit from 45–60 minutes in a decanter to allow the bouquet to unfurl, while mature bottles should be handled more delicately, with a brief, gentle aeration if needed.

Producer
Domaine Hubert Lignier is one of the benchmark estates of the Côte de Nuits, with a history that stretches back to the late 19th century in the village of Morey-Saint-Denis. Over generations, the Lignier family has built a reputation for producing profound, classically structured Pinot Noir from some of Burgundy’s most prized climats, including renowned vineyards in Morey, Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny. Today, the domaine is celebrated for its unwavering commitment to meticulous vineyard work, modest yields, and an artisanal, minimally interventionist approach in the cellar, all aimed at expressing the subtleties of each terroir. Revered by Burgundy enthusiasts and collectors, Hubert Lignier wines consistently feature among the region’s top bottlings and have become reference points for those seeking authenticity, depth and longevity in Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir.