Marsannay

Covering an area of nearly 230 hectares on small hillsides at an altitude of 300 meters and with exposures ranging from full east to south, the appellation was recognized in 1987. However, Marsannay wine was recognized for its quality much earlier, as Louis XIV ordered it to be served at his table. These wines are classified by climats, also known as lieux-dits, and some of them are currently applying for Premier Cru classification. 

The Marsannay vineyard is planted on a wide variety of soils dating back to the Middle Jurassic period: layered sandstone, Entroques limestone, Oestra acuminata marl, the former bed of the Ouche river, and alluvial gravel. 

The Marsannay appellation produces red and rosé wines from the Pinot Noir grape variety, and white wines from the Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grape varieties. The only communal appellation that can produce wines in all three colors, Marsannay's typical characteristics are those of the Côtes de Nuits. The Marsannay wines The reds are intensely colored, with a delicate bouquet of red and black fruits. The powerful and generous attack on the palate harmonizes with a rich, long finish. The wines Marsannay Whites exploit the full range of citrus fruits and white flowers. The palate, often full-bodied and round, opens up with beautiful mineral notes and a long finish. Both red and white wines can be enjoyed in their youth, but will reveal the full character of their terroir with age. Their quality is particularly evident in the wines offered by the René Bouvier Estate, the Olivier Guyot Estate and the Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Estate.

Wines with character

The appellation, under its Village designation, presents Marsannay rosés and Marsannay whitesRed wine production yields tannic wines with an intense color, an aroma of undergrowth for aged wines, and a harmonious structure on the palate thanks to their Pinot Noir grape variety. The wine Burgundy rosé Marsannay, blended mainly from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, has aromas of freshly crushed fruit. The wine Marsannay white, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grapes, is pale gold in color with green highlights from the grape stems.

An exceptional terroir

The Burgundy hillsides where the appellation is produced Marsannay enjoy a fairly cool oceanic climate, influenced by southern and continental factors. Although the weather is mild with fairly low temperatures, the vineyards of Marsannay is protected by the Morvan massif and the great plateaus of the Burgundy region. The soil of the valleys where the vineyards are located is rich in limestone, marl, and sediment. It is thanks to the diversity of soil, altitude, air movement, exposure to sunlight, and slope that each Marsannay wine has its own personality.

Château de Marsannay, a passion for Burgundy wines

The Marsannay Castle, located in the commune of the same name, owns vineyards in the main and most prestigious terroirs of Burgundy, such as Gevrey Chambertin, Echezeaux, Clos de Vougeot, Champeaux, and Vosne Romanée in Orveaux. The estate also offers wines in three colors from the vineyards surrounding the property and in the Marsannay appellation, such as the white Marsannay Champs Perdrix, one of the highest climats, or lieux-dits, in the Côte de Nuits. The Marsannay rosé or a Marsannay Castle Clos du Roy, which has a tense, mineral flavor. Marsannay red wine has great aging potential, up to 10 years in the cellar and up to 15 years for the greatest climats.