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Appellation d'Origine
Contrôlée
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The most recent Burgundy AOC, dating from 1987, this Commune Appellation previously
formed part of the prestigious Côtes de Nuits vineyards and to which it opens the gateway
immediately south of Dijon. This Appellation covers the villages of Marsannay-la-Côte,
Chenôve and Couchey. |
The areas appropriate for vine cultivation are :
- 312 hectares of Marsannay red or white (of which only 250 ha are in production at the
moment).
- 200 hectares of Marsannay Rosé (of which only 250 ha are in production).
The average harvest represent
- 6,000 hectolitres of Marsannay red
- 1,000 hectolitres of Marsannay white.
- 2,000 hectolitres of Marsannay rosé
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| THE SOILS The vineyards are both southern and eastern facing, on gentle
slopes at altitudes of between 260and 320 metres.
The soils are dark brown, dry and of chalky-marl-clay composition but with pebbles and
gravel which help to give good natural drainage. |
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Pinot Noir is the only varietal used for the production of red and rosé
wines. Chardonnay is used for the Marsannay whites. |
The red wines have intense red colour. Their bouquet is very fine and hints at wild
blackberries, dried plums and blackcurrant. With ageing they also develop musky elegance.
In the mouth they are generally tannic but also have good suppleness.
The rosés, which are tender and fruity, are held up by good strength and liveliness
which avoids any flabbiness. They hare a colour which makes one think of gooseberries and
an aroma which evokes freshly crushed grapes and peaches.
Marsannay whites, with their golden colour, have a good "nose" which is frank
and open hinting at banana, pineapple and citronella.
These wines are supple, full and fleshy and they have remarkable length in the mouth. |
| The red wines nearly always offer a good ageing potential : 5 to 10 years for normal
years and 20 years or more when the harvest is tannic or concentrated. The white wines
will be ready for tasting after 2 or 3 years and will be at the peak of their potential
after 8 or 10 years. |
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Service should aim at :
- the rosé wines at a cool temperature, around 10°C in tulip shaped glasses,
- the white wines at around 12 - 13°C in tulip shaped glasses,
- the red wines at 15 - 16°C en "Burgundy style" glasses (large balloon shape)
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Marsannay rosé is best with simple, even country dishes : frogs legs, salade
niçoise, potted poultry meats (rillettes de volailles),saucissons, snails. The
whites deserve to accompany more elaborate cuisine : parsleyed ham (jambon persillé),
potted chicken livers, pan-fried eel, fresh fish stew, sole meunière ,fatted
chicken and morel mushrooms.
The Red Marsannays when young, will go well with roast, grilled or braised red meat.
For older wines it will be better with marinades or spicier sauces : jugged hare, salmis
and equally with strong smelling cheeses. |
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For further information please contact :
The Wine Growers Syndicate of MARSANNAY LA CÔTE
Run by : Mr Jean FOURNIER
21160 MARSANNAY LA CÔTE |
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