Marsannay

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

The Marsannay vineyard is situated on a wide variety of soils dating from the Middle Jurassic period: layered gravel, limestone containing Entroques, marl containing Oestra acuminata, the former bed of the Ouche River, and alluvial gravel… 

The Marsannay appellation produces red and rosé wines made from the Pinot Noir grape variety, and white wines made from the Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grape varieties. As the only municipal appellation capable of producing wines in all three styles, Marsannay’s character is typical of the Côtes de Nuits. The Marsannay wines The reds are rich in color, with a delicate bouquet of red and black fruits. The powerful and generous attack on the palate gives way to a smooth, lingering finish. The wines Marsannay The whites showcase the full range of citrus and white floral notes. The palate, often full-bodied and round, reveals lovely mineral undertones that linger on the finish. Both the reds and whites are delightful to drink in their youth, but will reveal the full character of their terroir with age. Their quality is particularly evident in the vintages offered by the René Bouvier Estate, Domaine Olivier Guyot, and Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot.

Wines with character

The appellation, under its "Village" designation, features Marsannay rosés and White Marsannay wines. Red wine production yields tannic wines with deep color, a forest floor aroma in the aged wines, and a harmonious structure on the palate, thanks to the use of Pinot Noir grapes. The wine Marsannay Rosé Burgundy, a blend primarily of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, offers aromas of freshly crushed fruit. The wine White Marsannay, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, has a pale gold color with green hues from the grape stems.

An exceptional terroir

The Burgundian hillsides where the appellation is produced Marsannay enjoy a fairly cool oceanic climate, influenced by both southern and continental conditions. Although mild weather prevails despite fairly low temperatures, the vineyards of Marsannay is sheltered by the Morvan massif and the vast plateaus of the Burgundy region. The soil of the valleys where the vineyards are planted is rich in limestone, marl, and sediment. It is thanks to the diversity of soil, elevation, air movement, sun exposure, and slope that each Marsannay wine has its own personality.

Marsannay Castle: A Passion for Burgundy Wines

The Marsannay Castle, located in the town of the same name, owns vineyards in Burgundy’s leading and most prestigious terroirs, such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Echezeaux, Clos de Vougeot, Champeaux, and Vosne-Romanée in Orveaux. The estate also offers red, white, and rosé wines from the vineyards surrounding the property and within 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 offers a crisp, mineral-driven flavor. This Marsannay red wine has excellent aging potential, lasting up to 10 years in the cellar and up to 15 years for the finest vineyards.