Marsannay Wine

Marsannay is the most northern appellation of the Côte de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy. The communal (village level) appellation is unique in Burgundy for covering red, white and rosé wine. Other than Marsannay, the production of rosé wines is restricted to the Bourgogne regional appellations (such as Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains and Cremant de Bourgogne).

The grapes used to produce Marsannay wine are the key varieties found throughout the Côte d’Or. Pinot Noir is the principal variety used for reds. Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are employed for whites (Pinot Gris is also permitted in small quantities). A combination of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, with up to 10 percent Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, goes into the rosé wines.

The red wines are light with aromas of red fruits. The whites are characterized by notes of citrus and acacia and are similar in style to the white wines of the Côte Chalonnaise.

The AOP zone encompasses the villages of Marsanny-la-Côte, Chenôve and Couchey. There are 302 hectares (746 acres) of vineyards divided among 40 producers.

Historically there have been no premier cru (or grand cru) vineyards in the commune. However this issue has been under review in recent years, and two neighboring sites, Clos du Roy and Les Longeroies, are scheduled to gain Marsannay Premier Cru status in 2020.

In the 19th Century Marsannay wines were more highly prized. However, they were typically made from Gamay or Aligoté. The region was known for its rosé wines, but it was left out of the 1930 inception of village appellations due to the lack of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Marsannay is referred to as the Porte d’Or (‘Golden Gate’) to the Côte de Nuits. This stems from its proximity to Dijon, Burgundy’s largest city and its administrative center.

Dijon has a population of about a quarter of a million people, and is expanding. Marsannay – and particularly the village of Chenôve – is being slowly engulfed by its southwards expansion.