Marsannay
in Burgundy

Marsannay covers three municipalities (Chenôve, Marsannay-la-Côte and Couchey) in Côte de Nuits in the department of Côte d'Or in Burgundy.

A favorable climate

The vineyards of the Côte de Nuits benefit from a mainly oceanic climate with a semi-continental influence.

a unique geology

The exceptional pedoclimatic conditions allow the Pinot Noir grape to thrive fully in the Côte de Nuits.

2000 YEARS OF HISTORY

From the 12th century, the monks of the abbey of Cîteaux took care of the vines and transmitted their know-how to the Côte de Nuits.

Marsannay

Marsannay : the gateway to the Côte de Nuits

On May 19, 1987, the Marsannay appellation was created, one of the most recent AOCs in Burgundy and the only one offering all three colors : red, rosé and white. In total this represents an area of 222 hectares, 153 hectares for red wines, 35 hectares for rosé wines and 34 hectares for white wines.

=> Particularity for this communal appellation since it is the only appellation to produce rosé wines in the Côte de Nuits.

 

Climates to follow ...

Currently the marsannay appellation does not include any climates classified as Premier Cru, which is why in 2012 the organization for the defense and management of the AOC marsannay was filed an application for thirteen climats of the appellation with of the INAO (National Institute of Quality and Health), this would make it possible to highlight certain wines of the appellation and save the terroirs !


The thirteen climates of the marsannay appellation wishing to be premier cru :

  • Clos du Roy (one of the oldest terroirs in the sector)
  • En la Montagne
  • Les Longeroies
  • Les Echezots
  • La Charme aux Prêtres
  • Les Boivins
  • Les Grasses Têtes
  • Clos de Jeu
  • Les Favières
  • Champs- Salomon
  • Aux Genelières
  • Le Clos
  • Champ-Perdrix (the best terroir, facing south)


Terroir


In general, the marsannay vines are located on gentle slopes that allow good natural drainage, between 225 and 390 meters above sea level. The climate is temperate with a continental tendency, the cooler air causes a later maturation in the wine, with exposure ranging from full sunrise to midday.

Its soils are of great diversity, composed of old limestone rocks, resistant to frost, marl dating from the Jurassic, brown and dry, with pebbles and gravel.

The higher you climb the slopes, the thinner the soil layer, the brown and draining soil, ideal for more structured wines.

 

Tasting


The grape variety used in the production of red wine and rosé wine is Pinot Noir.


The red wines of the Marsannay appellation (65% of production) have an intense red color, with time the color evolves towards a bluish garnet hue, an expressive bouquet of red fruits (sour cherry, strawberry, ...), black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, ...), dried fruits (prune, ...), on the palate a nice powerful attack, generous and good length.

It will go perfectly with red meats (shallot tab, prime rib with marrow, ...), river fish (pike, pikeperch, ...), cheeses made from cow's milk also.


The excellent red wines of Marsannay can age between ten to fifteen years (for the best years) in the cellar, this will bring animal (musk, leather, ...), plant (moss, undergrowth, ...) and spices.

The recommended serving temperature is 15 to 17 ° C.

 
The rosé wines of the Marsannay appellation (25% of production) have a very beautiful color that draws on slightly orange currant with carmine reflections, a tender, greedy nose, evoking notes of white peaches, flowers; on the palate, a beautiful liveliness with power and freshness on the finish. Very appreciated by tasters.



This wine will go very well with a salad, a grill, white meat, cold cuts, fish such as red mullet and many others. For lovers of Mediterranean or spicy cuisine, the combination is perfect !


The recommended serving temperature is 12 ° C, the aging potential of a rosé is generally two years.



***



The grape variety used in the production of white wine is Chardonnay and sometimes Pinot Blanc.


The white marsannays (10% of production) are of a pale white gold, with lime-colored reflections, an open and frank nose, aromas of exotic fruits (pineapple, ...), citrus fruits (lemon, ...), white flowers (hawthorn, acacia, ...), on the palate great flexibility, ample, round and of remarkable persistence.

Very pleasant to drink in the first years, patience will reveal all the typicity of its terroir until 8 to 10 years for the best vintages. The recommended serving temperature is between 12 to 13 ° C.


This wine will go wonderfully with white meats such as creamed poultry, filet mignon with mustard sauce, veal blanquette, sea fish, goat cheese, ... and for surprising pairings, oriental cuisine or sushi, it will bring an incredible balance with the wine.



Let yourself be tempted by a bottle, you will not be disappointed.

THE 8 COMMUNAL APPELLATIONS OF CÔTE DE NUITS

Marsannay

The northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits and it offers its wines in 3 colors.

Fixin

The wines of this appellation are very good value for money.

Gevrey-Chambertin

This appellation has 9 Grands Crus and 25 1er Crus, firm and colorful wines.

Morey-Saint-Denis

Morey-Saint-Denis offers wines with body and vinosity.

Chambolle-Musigny

Its wines are among the most fragrant and delicate of the Côte de Nuits.

Vougeot

This appellation is known for its grand cru: Clos de Vougeot.

Vosne Romanée

Wines of great renown, on the palate a beautiful delicacy and a perfect balance.

Nuits-Saint-Georges

Nuits-Saint-Georges offers many first growths with good aging potential.

All wine regions