Chateau de Marsannay Rouge 2022

Chateau de Marsannay Rouge 2022 is a 750ml Burgundy Pinot Noir from the Marsannay appellation in the Côte de Nuits, bottled at approximately 13% ABV. Produced by one of the most historically significant estates at the northern gateway of the Côte de Nuits, this rouge draws from the estate's extensive vineyard holdings across the Marsannay commune.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13%  |  Origin: Marsannay, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France  |  Village-Level Appellation  |  Estate: Château de Marsannay

Production & Heritage

Château de Marsannay sits at the entrance to the Côte de Nuits in the village of Marsannay-la-Côte, just south of Dijon. The estate, acquired by Olivier Halley in 2012, spans roughly 30 hectares across multiple Burgundian appellations, making it one of the largest domaines in the commune. The Rouge is produced from 100% Pinot Noir, typically undergoing cold pre-fermentation maceration to extract color and primary fruit, followed by aging in French oak barrels — a portion of which are new — before bottling. Marsannay holds the distinction of being the only Burgundy appellation authorized to produce all three colors: red, white, and rosé.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh red cherry and raspberry lead the nose, followed by subtle violet and crushed stone minerality. A light touch of spice and earthy undergrowth emerges with time in the glass.

Taste: The palate opens with bright red fruit — cherry and redcurrant — supported by fine-grained tannins. Mid-palate, a gentle earthiness and hints of baking spice develop, reflecting the limestone and clay soils characteristic of Marsannay. The wine carries a lithe, medium-bodied structure with balanced acidity.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with lingering notes of tart cherry and a faint mineral edge. A soft tannic grip trails off cleanly, leaving a dry and refreshing close.

How to Drink Marsannay Rouge

This Pinot Noir is best served slightly below room temperature, around 15–16°C (59–61°F), in a wide-bowled Burgundy glass to allow its aromatics to open fully. It drinks well on its own but benefits from 20–30 minutes of air before serving. For a Kir Bourguignon, use this rouge as the base with a splash of crème de cassis for a traditional Burgundian apéritif. It can also work in a red wine spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange for warm-weather occasions, or serve as the foundation for a classic Bourguignonne sauce alongside beef dishes.

Best For

• Introducing someone to village-level Burgundy without overwhelming complexity or price
• Weeknight dinners featuring roast poultry, charcuterie, or mushroom-based dishes
• Gifting a Francophile or Pinot Noir enthusiast exploring the Côte de Nuits
• Building a Burgundy cellar collection starting from the northern appellations

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marsannay Rouge taste like? Château de Marsannay Rouge delivers bright red cherry and raspberry fruit with earthy, mineral undertones and fine tannins, characteristic of Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir at the village level.

How does Marsannay Rouge compare to Fixin Rouge? Both are northern Côte de Nuits village wines, but Marsannay tends toward lighter, more fruit-forward expression while Fixin often shows firmer structure and darker fruit; both share a mineral backbone from similar limestone-rich soils.

Is Marsannay Rouge good for sipping neat? Yes — its balanced acidity, moderate tannins, and clean fruit profile make it an approachable red Burgundy for drinking on its own, especially with a brief period of aeration.

Where is Marsannay Rouge made? Château de Marsannay is located in Marsannay-la-Côte at the northern end of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy, France, just a few kilometers south of the city of Dijon.

What foods pair well with Marsannay Rouge? Roast duck breast complements its red fruit and earthy depth; coq au vin mirrors its Burgundian roots; grilled salmon with herbs plays well against its bright acidity; aged Comté or Époisses cheese highlights its mineral side; and mushroom risotto echoes its earthy undertones.

What sizes does Marsannay Rouge come in? The standard bottling is a 750ml format, which is the most widely available size for this village-level Burgundy.

Is Marsannay Rouge worth the price? Marsannay positions as an entry-level to mid-range Côte de Nuits red, offering genuine Burgundy Pinot Noir character at a significantly lower price point than neighboring appellations like Gevrey-Chambertin or Morey-Saint-Denis, making it strong value within the region.

Why Marsannay Rouge?

Château de Marsannay stands as one of the largest and most prominent estates in its appellation, with vineyard holdings that span much of the commune's best terroir. Under the Halley family's ownership since 2012, the estate has invested significantly in both vineyard management and cellar modernization. Marsannay itself remains one of Burgundy's most undervalued appellations — delivering authentic Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir at a fraction of the cost of its southern neighbors. For drinkers seeking genuine Burgundian character without premier or grand cru pricing, this rouge represents a compelling entry point into the storied hillsides of the Côte d'Or.