Domaine Jean Fournier Marsannay Rouge Clos du Roy 2023

Domaine Jean Fournier Marsannay Rouge Clos du Roy

Region: Burgundy, France

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Pinot Noir

ABV: 14%

The nose opens with pure, scented red fruit which intensifies on the palate. A particular saline tension from the limestone drives the palate and compliments the layers of juicy red fruit and fine-grained tannins. The finish is long and expressive.

Farmed organically since the early 2000s, the vineyards are planted at high density, between 13,000 and 20,000 vines per hectare, forcing the roots deeper to give the vines greater protection from climate extremities and intensify the mineral expression in the finished wines. Natural grass cover is used to strengthen soil diversity and water retention, and the soils are worked by horse to avoid compaction. This cuvée is a blend from the two parcels, 'Le Noyer' and 'Le Pau', both laying on a steep, east-facing hillside. The Comblanchien limestone soils are layered and often too hard for cultivation. The Pinot Noir vines were planted from 1945 to 2000. The vineyard is tilled, then left with natural grass cover in summer.

The grapes are hand-picked in 15 kg boxes and placed in stainless steel vats, with 50% whole bunch to enhance aromatics and structure. Fermentation involves moderate punching downs and pump-overs. The wine ages for 12 months in oak barrels (600L and 228L, 25% new), then is blended and aged an additional six months in 500L demi-muids.

One of the most established names in Marsannay, Domaine Jean Fournier is run by dynamic winemaker, Laurent Fournier. Since joining his father Jean in 2001, Laurent has developed a reputation for both crafting quality Marsannay and championing the Aligoté grape. The Fournier’s intricate knowledge of Marsannay has led to Laurent spearheading the current 1er Cru classification procedure.