Thomas Morey
Summary
Tenth-generation vigneron Thomas Morey operates a 9-hectare domaine in Chassagne-Montrachet, producing primarily Chardonnay (80%) and Pinot Noir (20%) from limestone-clay vineyards across the Côte de Beaune. His winemaking balances traditional Burgundian methods with minimal intervention, employing whole-cluster pressing for whites and gentle extraction for reds, with all wines aged 11-15 months in French oak to transparently express their distinctive terroirs.
Heritage & Leadership
Thomas Morey established his eponymous domaine in 2006 following the division of his father's estate, Domaine Bernard Morey et Fils. The Morey family's winemaking history in Chassagne-Montrachet stretches back multiple generations, with Thomas representing the tenth generation of vignerons in this lineage. After working alongside his father Bernard for years, Thomas and his brother Vincent divided the family holdings, with Thomas receiving approximately 9 hectares of vineyards to form Domaine Thomas Morey.
Based in Chassagne-Montrachet, Thomas operates the domaine with his wife Sylvie. Their winery and cellars are located in the heart of the village, housed in traditional Burgundian buildings that have been in the family for generations. Under Thomas's direction, the domaine has maintained its focus on expressing the distinctive terroirs of the Côte de Beaune, particularly those of Chassagne-Montrachet where the family's roots run deepest.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine encompasses approximately 9 hectares of vineyards spread across several communes in the Côte de Beaune. The majority of holdings are situated in Chassagne-Montrachet, including parcels in premier cru vineyards such as Morgeot, Les Baudines, and Les Embazées. Additional vineyards are located in Saint-Aubin, Santenay, Maranges, and Beaune.
White wine production dominates at Domaine Thomas Morey, with Chardonnay comprising about 80% of the plantings. The remaining 20% is dedicated to Pinot Noir. The vineyards feature the classic limestone-clay soils of the Côte de Beaune, with variations in the limestone-to-clay ratio depending on the specific site. These soil differences contribute significantly to the character of each wine, with higher limestone content typically yielding more mineral-driven expressions.
The domaine produces approximately 13 different cuvées annually, including both village-level and premier cru bottlings. Notable white wines include Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Morgeot, Premier Cru Les Baudines, and Saint-Aubin Premier Cru Le Charmois. Among the reds, Santenay Les Gravières and Maranges Premier Cru La Fussière stand out in the portfolio.
Philosophy & Practice
Thomas Morey adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking methods while incorporating modern precision where beneficial. In the vineyards, he practices sustainable viticulture with meticulous attention to soil health and vine balance. Pruning, green harvesting, and leaf management are performed to ensure optimal ripening and concentration.
For white wine production, Thomas employs whole-cluster pressing followed by settling of the must for 12-24 hours. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, with approximately 15-20% new oak for village wines and 25-30% for premier crus. The wines undergo regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) during the early months of aging, which typically lasts 11-12 months before bottling.
Red wine vinification begins with careful sorting and destemming of the grapes. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled tanks with gentle extraction methods to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression. Aging follows in French oak barrels for 12-15 months, with a similar new oak regimen to the whites.
Thomas's winemaking philosophy centers on transparency and precision, allowing each vineyard site to express its distinctive character. Intervention is minimized both in the vineyard and cellar, with a focus on timing and attention to detail rather than technological manipulation. This approach results in wines that reflect both their origin and the Morey family's generations of winemaking experience in Chassagne-Montrachet.