📜 Marsannay

Marsannay is a French protected designation of origin (AOC, PDO) for still, dry white, red and rosé wines from the Côte-d'Or department in Burgundy. It has been in the EU register since 18 September 1973, and the AOC was recognised by decree in 1987.

The specification lists four main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Red wines are limited to 58 hl/ha, white wines to 64 hl/ha and rosé wines to 65 hl/ha.

White wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength of 11% vol, and red and rosé wines of 10.5% vol. After enrichment, total strength may not exceed 13.5% vol for red and white wines or 13% vol for rosé. Fermentable sugar may not exceed 2 g/l in red wines, 3 g/l in rosé and 3 g/l in white wines (4 g/l if total acidity is at least 55.10 meq/l). Red wines may contain at most 0.4 g/l of malic acid at packaging.

The minimum planting density is 9,000 vines per hectare. Wood chips may not be used, and oenological charcoal is prohibited for rosé.

Grapes are harvested and wines made, processed and aged in three municipalities: Chenôve, Couchey and Marsannay-la-Côte. Labels may name a smaller geographical unit listed in the land register, and may add ‘Vin de Bourgogne’ or ‘Grand Vin de Bourgogne’. The specification notes that in the 1960s the vineyard was replanted with Pinot Noir, which became known for rosé.