Described as the “Golden Gateway to the Côte de Nuits”, the Marsannay AOC extends across the communes of Chenôve, Marsannay-la-Côte, and Couchey. Vines have been grown here since the 7th century. The Abbey of Bèze, the bishopric of Autun, the dukes of Bourgogne, and many others all owned vines here. Marsannay wines featured on the tables of Louis XIV and Louis XVI, and certain Climats even enjoyed a classification equivalent to today’s Grands Crus through until the 19th century.

Red wines from the Marsannay appellation have an intense color, with a generous fruity bouquet of morello cherry, strawberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry. In the mouth, the attack is powerful and generous, harmonizing with a fatty finish and lovely length.
The whites reveal the full gamut of citrus and white blossom like hawthorn and acacia. The mouth, which is often broad and rounded, opens up to reveal a fine mineral structure with sustained length.
As for Marsannay rosé, their fruity tenderness expresses pêche de vigne and gooseberry aromas, and their characteristic vigorous indulgence on the tongue makes them perfect for the summer season!

Sommelier’s tips:
Marsannay reds are natural partners for red meat such as rib steak with marrow, hanger steak with shallots, or even ostrich. Or pair them with river fish like pike, pikeperch, or stuffed carp. They also go very well with chop suey, sautéed vegetables, quality cold cuts, feathered game, and cow milk cheeses. Older vintages are great with Époisses, Munster, or any other mature cheese.

Marsannay whites are ideal with white meats. Try them with chicken à la Gaston Gérard, veal, or filet mignon of pork with a mustard sauce. Asian cuisine such as sushi brings out the chiseled aromas of these Chardonnays, and in addition to classic sea fish dishes, some years in the cellar produces white Marsannays that marry wonderfully with goat cheeses.

Lastly, Marsannay rosé wines can be enjoyed throughout a meal, with summer barbecues, mixed salads, fine cold cuts, white meats, crab, or red mullet. Spicy, Asian, and Mediterranean dishes also provide great pairings. And after a few years, why not try a Marsannay rosé as a divine accompaniment to dessert!

Click here for more information about the Marsannay AOC.
Click here for a list of producers.