Louis Latour Marsannay

Louis Latour Marsannay is a village-level red Burgundy made from 100% Pinot Noir in the Côte de Nuits, bottled at 13–13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned 93 points from James Suckling, the highest score this cuvée has received in recent years, reinforcing Marsannay's growing reputation within Burgundy's northern gateway.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13–13.5%  |  Origin: Marsannay, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France  |  Village-Level Appellation  |  Producer: Maison Louis Latour

Production & Heritage

Maison Louis Latour, founded in 1797 and still family-owned across eleven generations, operates from what is recognized as the first purpose-built cuverie in France—and the oldest still in active use. The Marsannay undergoes traditional fermentation in open vats with full malolactic fermentation, then ages a minimum of 10 months in stainless steel vats rather than oak, preserving the fruit purity and terroir expression of the vineyard. The entire winemaking process relies on a gravity-flow system aided by an internal railway and elevator network, eliminating the need to pump must and reducing oxidation at every stage. Notably, Louis Latour flash-pasteurizes its red wines for stability, a technique the house maintains does not compromise aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with intense morello cherry and blackcurrant before revealing floral nuances of peony and iris. Deeper notes of licorice and clove emerge as the wine breathes, giving way to a subtle gamey character.

Taste: The entry is full and generous, carrying ripe cherry and blackcurrant across a fresh, medium-bodied mid-palate. Peppery spice and a thread of licorice build toward the peak, while silky, well-integrated tannins provide structure without heaviness. The overall impression is one of elegance balanced by genuine Côte de Nuits depth.

Finish: The finish is long and textured, with lingering cherry and spice tapering into a clean, mineral-laced close. Fine-grained tannins persist, inviting another sip.

How to Drink Latour Marsannay

Serve lightly chilled to around 16°C (61°F) in a Burgundy glass to concentrate the aromatics. Young vintages benefit from 30 minutes of decanting, though mature bottles can be poured directly. A Coq au Vin cocktail riff (Pinot Noir–based sangria with brandy, cinnamon, and citrus) highlights the wine's cherry and spice core. For a classic pairing approach, the Marsannay also shines alongside a Kir Bourguignon—crème de cassis topped with this Pinot Noir—where its blackcurrant notes mirror the liqueur. In warmer months, a chilled Burgundy Spritz (equal parts Marsannay and sparkling water with a lemon twist) makes a refreshing aperitif that preserves the fruit.

Best For

• Introducing a Burgundy enthusiast to the Marsannay appellation
• Weeknight dinners that call for a serious but approachable red
• Building a vertical collection of village-level Côte de Nuits wines
• Gifting someone exploring Pinot Noir beyond the New World

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Latour Marsannay taste like? It delivers ripe morello cherry and blackcurrant layered with licorice, pepper, and floral hints, supported by silky tannins and bright acidity. The overall profile is fruit-forward yet structured, with a distinctly Burgundian earthy undertone.

How does Latour Marsannay compare to Louis Latour Santenay? Both are village-level Burgundies from Louis Latour, but the Marsannay comes from the Côte de Nuits and tends toward brighter red-fruit aromatics with silky tannins, while the Santenay originates in the Côte de Beaune and typically shows more tannic structure and a firmer backbone. Wine commentators debate which offers more complexity, though the Marsannay generally leans toward elegance and the Santenay toward power.

Is Latour Marsannay good for sipping neat? Yes—its combination of fruit purity, balanced acidity, and fine tannins makes it an excellent choice for drinking on its own, especially with a light chill and a few minutes of air.

Where is Latour Marsannay made? It is produced by Maison Louis Latour in Burgundy, France, using fruit from the Marsannay appellation, the northernmost village-level AOC in the Côte de Nuits sub-region of the Côte d'Or. The wine is vinified and aged at the Latour cuverie in Aloxe-Corton.

What foods pair well with Latour Marsannay? Roast duck breast complements its cherry and spice notes. Coq au vin echoes the wine's Burgundian roots. Grilled lamb chops with herbs match its peppery character. Semi-firm cheeses like Comté or Gruyère balance the silky tannins. Mushroom risotto highlights the wine's earthy undertones.

What sizes does Latour Marsannay come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle; availability of half-bottles (375ml) or magnums (1.5L) varies by vintage and market.

Is Latour Marsannay worth the price? It positions as a mid-range village Burgundy—more affordable than neighboring Gevrey-Chambertin or Fixin Premier Cru while delivering credible Côte de Nuits character. Consistent scores in the low-90s from James Suckling suggest it punches above its weight in value for the appellation.

Why Latour Marsannay?

Few Burgundy houses can claim over two centuries of continuous family ownership and a gravity-flow winery that predates modern oenology, yet Louis Latour operates both. The Marsannay bottling captures the Côte de Nuits at its most accessible price point without sacrificing regional identity—stainless-steel aging foregrounds pure Pinot Noir fruit rather than oak influence, letting the terroir speak. A 93-point score from James Suckling on the 2022 vintage confirms that this village-level cuvée competes with wines carrying higher pedigrees and higher prices. For anyone seeking an honest, well-made entry into northern Burgundy, this remains one of the most reliable bottles on the shelf.