Chateau de Marsannay Blanc 2022

Chateau de Marsannay Blanc 2022 is a 750ml white Burgundy Chardonnay from the Marsannay appellation in the Côte de Nuits, bottled at approximately 13% ABV. The estate stands as one of the few properties in the Côte de Nuits devoted to producing all three colors — red, white, and rosé — under a single appellation, making this Blanc a distinctive expression of a versatile terroir.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13%  |  Origin: Marsannay, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France  |  Varietal: Chardonnay  |  Estate: Château de Marsannay

Production & Heritage

Château de Marsannay sits in Marsannay-la-Côte, the northernmost village appellation of the Côte de Nuits. The estate was acquired by Olivier Halley in 2012, and subsequent investment has modernized the winemaking facilities while preserving the identity of the domaine's extensive vineyard holdings — roughly 35 hectares spanning numerous lieux-dits across the commune and beyond. The Blanc is fermented and aged in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel, a practice that preserves the fresh acidity and mineral character native to Marsannay's limestone and marl soils while adding subtle textural complexity. White wines from Marsannay remain relatively under-the-radar compared to neighboring Gevrey-Chambertin and Fixin, giving this bottling a strong value proposition for Burgundy Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Citrus blossom and white peach lead the nose, followed by subtle notes of crushed limestone and a thread of almond. As the wine opens, delicate floral tones and a chalky minerality become more pronounced.

Taste: The palate enters with bright lemon zest and green apple, carrying a crisp, linear acidity through the mid-palate. Ripe pear and a faint touch of hazelnut emerge as the wine develops, balanced by a saline mineral undertone that speaks to the Côte de Nuits terroir. The texture is medium-bodied with enough weight to feel serious without turning heavy.

Finish: Clean and persistent, with lingering notes of white stone fruit and chalk. A gentle citrus pith bitterness on the close adds structure and invites the next sip.

How to Drink Marsannay Blanc

Serve lightly chilled to around 50–54°F (10–12°C) to let the mineral backbone and fruit aromatics express fully. This Chardonnay drinks beautifully on its own but responds well to a slight chill and 15–20 minutes of air. For mixed drinks, consider a White Burgundy Spritz — the wine's acidity holds up against a splash of sparkling water and a lemon twist. It also works in a French 75, where its citrus brightness and medium body substitute gracefully for the traditional sparkling wine. A Kir made with a small measure of crème de cassis lets the Chardonnay's mineral edge play against the sweetness of the liqueur.

Best For

• Introducing a Burgundy enthusiast to the Marsannay appellation
• Pairing with a spring or summer seafood dinner
• Building a Côte de Nuits vertical or horizontal tasting flight
• Gifting to a wine lover who appreciates under-discovered French terroirs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marsannay Blanc taste like? It delivers bright citrus and white stone fruit flavors supported by a pronounced mineral backbone and crisp acidity, characteristic of Chardonnay grown on the limestone soils of the northern Côte de Nuits.

How does Marsannay Blanc compare to Domaine Bruno Clair Marsannay Blanc? Both are benchmarks for white Marsannay; Bruno Clair's version tends to show more overt richness and oak influence, while Château de Marsannay leans toward a leaner, more mineral-driven style that emphasizes freshness and terroir transparency.

Is Marsannay Blanc good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced acidity, clean mineral profile, and medium body make it a rewarding wine to drink neat, particularly when served lightly chilled.

Where is Marsannay Blanc made? It is produced at Château de Marsannay in the village of Marsannay-la-Côte, the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy, France.

What foods pair well with Marsannay Blanc? Grilled sole or turbot complement the wine's mineral finish; roast chicken with tarragon mirrors its herbal undertones; goat cheese like Crottin de Chavignol echoes the chalky acidity; a simple crab salad with lemon dressing aligns with its citrus character; and dishes featuring white asparagus highlight the wine's delicate structure.

What sizes does Marsannay Blanc come in? The standard bottling is available in 750ml.

Is Marsannay Blanc worth the price? Marsannay Blanc positions as a compelling value within the broader white Burgundy category — it offers village-level Côte de Nuits Chardonnay quality at a price point well below its more famous neighbors like Gevrey-Chambertin or Morey-Saint-Denis, making it an intelligent entry into serious Burgundy.

Why Marsannay Blanc?

Château de Marsannay's Blanc represents one of the most accessible ways to experience white Chardonnay from the Côte de Nuits, a sub-region far better known for its Pinot Noir. The estate's extensive holdings — among the largest in the appellation — give the winemaking team a wide palette of parcels to draw from, resulting in a wine that captures the breadth of Marsannay's terroir rather than a single plot. Under Olivier Halley's stewardship since 2012, the property has seen significant investment in both vineyard management and cellar equipment, translating into increasingly precise wines. For drinkers who want authentic Burgundy character without the premium of a Puligny-Montrachet or Meursault price tag, this bottling delivers genuine limestone-driven Chardonnay with substance and purity.