François Morente, Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 2023

François Morente Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 2023 is a vibrant, classically styled Burgundy Pinot Noir with a distinctly modern edge. From a high-density parcel planted by François himself, this wine delivers striking purity of fruit and structure that over-delivers for its humble Hautes-Côtes origin. It’s a brilliant choice for those who love red Burgundy with energy, depth and a bit of personality.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 shows a deep, youthful ruby colour—darker than many might expect from Burgundy’s cooler hillsides. The nose is immediately expressive, with dark cherry and ripe blackberry taking the lead, wrapped in hints of wild herbs, crushed violet and a subtle stemmy spice from the whole-cluster fermentation. On the palate, the wine is juicy yet beautifully controlled. The initial rush of black and red berries is quickly framed by fine-grained tannins, a fresh line of acidity and savoury herbal notes that lend real tension and precision. That whole-bunch character brings lift, structure and a gentle bitterness that reins in the ripeness, keeping everything poised rather than plush. Enjoyable now for its vivid fruit, it should develop nicely over the next 4–7 years, gaining more complexity and silkiness with short- to mid-term cellaring.

Production
This Pinot Noir comes from the cool, windswept slopes of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune in Burgundy, where higher altitude, limestone-rich soils and a slightly harsher climate give naturally energetic, finely etched wines. François Morente planted this parcel himself at high density, encouraging deep root systems and natural competition between vines, which in turn enhances concentration and complexity in the berries. Harvesting is typically done by hand to ensure careful selection of perfectly ripe clusters. In the cellar, François employs whole-cluster fermentation, leaving stems intact to bring additional structure, aromatic lift and freshness. Gentle extraction and a thoughtful élevage—often in a mix of older oak to avoid overwhelming the fruit—allow the character of the site and the purity of Pinot Noir to shine through.

Food & Serving
This Hautes-Côtes de Beaune is a remarkably versatile food wine. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, duck breast, pork tenderloin, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, and earthy vegetarian plates such as lentils, beetroot or roasted root vegetables. It also works well with mild to medium cheeses like Comté or Tomme. Serve at around 14–16°C (57–60°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic complexity. A light decant of 20–30 minutes can help the wine open up, especially in its youth, revealing more of its floral and herbal nuances.

Producer
François Morente is part of a new wave of dedicated Burgundy growers focusing on precision farming and thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking. By planting and tending his own high-density vineyards in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, he has helped demonstrate just how much quality this once-overlooked area can deliver. His approach emphasises careful work in the vines, moderate yields and minimal-intervention vinification, with whole-cluster fermentations used to bring character and structure. Though relatively small in scale, Morente’s wines have begun to attract attention for their authenticity, purity of fruit and their ability to offer serious Burgundy character without the grand cru price tag.

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