Les Faconnieres is a Premier Cru climat of the Morey-Saint-Denis appellation in the Cote de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy. The vineyard is one of several that run in a line below the Clos de la Roche and Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru climats just north of the village of Morey-Saint-Denis itself. It is planted exclusively to Pinot Noir, making a medium-bodied wine with cherry flavors and structured tannins.
The four-acre (1.7ha) vineyard lies almost at the base of the Cote d'Or escarpment. Clos de la Roche is directly above it on the hillside, while the land below is sanctioned only for use in simple Morey-Saint-Denis wines. To the north and south are a collection of other Premier Cru climats, one of which is the prestigious Clos des Ormes site.
Les Faconnieres is distinguished by its soil, which contains a high proportion of clay and limestone. This is less rocky than those on the hillside above, and stores sufficient water to keep vines hydrated throughout the growing season. The climat's clay-dominant soil is often given as the reason for the muscularity of Les Faconnieres Premier Cru wines.
The easterly aspect of the vineyard (though not as pronounced as on the Grand Cru hillside above) provides a good foil to the cool Burgundian climate. Here, exposure to the morning sun enhances the development of sugars and phenols in the grapes, although cooler nights help with the retention of acidity. The result is a balanced wine that is not quite as concentrated as those of the Grand Cru vineyards, but still has good aging capabilities.
