Chateau de Marsannay Blanc 2017

Chateau de Marsannay Blanc 2017 is a 750ml, 13% ABV white Burgundy from Marsannay in the Côte de Nuits, made entirely from Chardonnay. Awarded 91 points by Jeb Dunnuck, this vintage balances generous fruit with the mineral tension that defines the Marsannay appellation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Marsannay, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France  |  2017 Vintage  |  Producer: Chateau de Marsannay

Production & Heritage

Chateau de Marsannay is one of the benchmark estates of the Marsannay appellation, the northernmost village designation in the Côte de Nuits. For this 2017 Blanc, Chardonnay grapes were hand-harvested by a crew of roughly 100 pickers over 12 days, with meticulous sorting at reception to eliminate damaged berries and retain only the finest clusters. Vinification followed a minimal-intervention philosophy aimed at preserving fruit purity, freshness, and terroir expression. The wine aged for 10 months in oak barrels—20% new, the remainder one to four years old—before spending an additional 6 months in tank prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with white flowers and citrus blossom before moving into spiced pear and subtle yellow fruit. Underneath, a faint minerality—like crushed rocks—anchors the aromatic profile.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is clean and lively with bright citrus and lemon pith. The mid-palate broadens into generous stone fruit and a layered texture, while nicely integrated acidity keeps everything taut and focused. The overall impression is balanced and vibrant, with a sense of energy running through each sip.

Finish: The finish is moderately long with a tight, mineral-driven quality and lingering notes of citrus zest and crushed stone. There is no heaviness here—just a clean, precise close that invites another glass.

How to Drink Marsannay Blanc 2017

Serve lightly chilled, around 10–12°C (50–54°F), in a standard white Burgundy glass to allow the aromatics to develop fully. This wine is at its most expressive on its own or alongside food, rather than in cocktails.

• Wine Spritzer: Its bright acidity and citrus notes hold up well when lengthened with a splash of sparkling water over ice for a casual warm-weather pour.
• Kir Bourgignon: A small measure of crème de cassis paired with this Chardonnay creates a classic Burgundian aperitif that showcases the wine's fruit and structure.
• White Burgundy Sangria: Mixed with sliced stone fruits, a touch of elderflower liqueur, and sparkling water, the wine's mineral backbone provides balance in a sophisticated sangria.

Best For

• Gifting a Burgundy enthusiast exploring appellations beyond Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet
• Pairing with a multi-course seafood dinner
• Building a vertical collection of Marsannay Blanc vintages
• Serving at an intimate dinner party as an aperitif or with first courses

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marsannay Blanc 2017 taste like? It delivers clean, lively citrus blossom and spiced pear flavors, supported by vibrant acidity and a mineral undertone of crushed rocks and lemon pith. The overall character is balanced and fresh, with moderate oak influence.

How does Marsannay Blanc 2017 compare to Louis Jadot Marsannay Blanc? Both wines come from the same Côte de Nuits appellation and share a mineral, citrus-driven profile typical of Marsannay Chardonnay. The Chateau de Marsannay expression tends to lean into a more terroir-focused, minimal-intervention style with restrained new oak (20%), while Louis Jadot's négociant approach often produces a rounder, more immediately accessible wine.

Is Marsannay Blanc 2017 good for sipping on its own? Yes—its integrated acidity, clean fruit, and mineral finish make it a rewarding wine to drink neat, lightly chilled. It does not require food to show well, though it pairs beautifully with lighter dishes.

Where is Marsannay Blanc 2017 made? It is produced at Chateau de Marsannay in the village of Marsannay-la-Côte, situated at the northern edge of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy, France. Marsannay is the only appellation in Burgundy permitted to produce red, white, and rosé wines under its village designation.

What foods pair well with Marsannay Blanc 2017? Grilled sole or turbot, which mirror the wine's mineral backbone. Chèvre or Comté cheese, whose creaminess contrasts with the bright acidity. Coquilles Saint-Jacques in a light butter sauce, where the citrus notes cut through richness. A simple roast chicken with herbs, a classic Burgundy pairing. Asparagus risotto, which complements the wine's yellow fruit and floral aromas.

What sizes does Marsannay Blanc 2017 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Marsannay Blanc 2017 worth the price? Marsannay Blanc positions as an entry-level to mid-range white Burgundy, typically priced well below comparable wines from Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet. With a 91-point score from Jeb Dunnuck and hand-harvested, minimal-intervention production, it represents strong value within the Côte de Nuits category.

Why Marsannay Blanc 2017?

The 91-point score from Jeb Dunnuck places this wine among the most critically recognized whites from the Marsannay appellation in the 2017 vintage. Its production—hand-harvested by 100 pickers with berry-by-berry sorting, followed by restrained oak aging and extended tank rest—reflects a precision rarely seen at this price tier in Burgundy. Marsannay itself remains an under-the-radar source for serious Chardonnay in the Côte de Nuits, and the Chateau de Marsannay estate is a leading voice in demonstrating the appellation's potential. For anyone seeking white Burgundy character with genuine terroir expression and without the premium of more famous village names, this 2017 stands as a compelling bottle.