Les Gruenchers is a tiny Premier Cru vineyard of the Morey-Saint-Denis appellation in the Cote de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy. The vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir and covers just over an acre (0.5ha) of land. As such, production of Les Gruenchers Premier Cru wine is so limited that very few bottles are on the market at any one time.
The vineyard is situated on the eastern outskirts of Morey-Saint-Denis village, in the northwestern corner of the larger Les Blanchards Premier Cru vineyard. This part of Morey-Saint-Denis is known for its slightly more rustic style of wine, although still with the depth of its northern neighbors like Clos des Ormes.
Soils in Les Gruenchers are the same clay-limestone soils as are found throughout Morey-Saint-Denis, although they are slightly deeper and richer than those at the top of the slope. These soils are free draining, although they absorb enough water to hydrate vines during the growing season. Vines must grow strong root systems to access these soils, which lessens vigor and yield, which in turn increases concentration in the berries, and ultimately, the wine.
The easterly aspect of the vineyard is also favorable, with vines receiving sufficient exposure to sunlight during ripening. This helps grapes reach an optimum level of sugars and phenols before harvest, and cooler nights leads to the retention of acidity in the grapes.
This vineyard should not be confused with the identically named site less than a mile away in neighboring Chambolle-Musigny.
