France · Côte de Nuits

Domaines Jean Fournier

Marsannay-la-Côte domaine with less extracted reds, whole cluster fermentation, and wines from Marsannay, Bourgogne Aligoté, and Aloxe-Corton.

The producer

Based in Marsannay-la-Côte in the north of the Côte de Nuits, Domaines Jean Fournier traces its origins to the 17th century. Laurent Fournier prefers less extracted wines than his father, and the red wines use whole cluster fermentation. The range includes named Marsannay reds and whites, Bourgogne Aligoté En Auvonne, and Aloxe-Corton. The wines include floral Marsannay reds, citrus driven Aligoté, and white Marsannay with creamy barrel notes and yellow citrus.

Known for

Marsannay reds with whole clusters

Notable facts

The story

Pauline And Charles

In 2011, Laurent Fournier's daughter Pauline was born. Laurent created a special wine cuvée named P'tite Grumotte to celebrate the birth. The following year, 2012, his son Charles was born, and Laurent created Pur Pôt as a second birth cuvée. The two names were attached to the children in order, P'tite Grumotte for Pauline and Pur Pôt for Charles. The labels were named after the births of Laurent's children, Pauline in 2011 and Charles in 2012.

From the atlas

Domaines Jean Fournier

A Marsannay-la-Côte domaine in the north of the Côte de Nuits, with less extracted reds, whole cluster fermentation, and wines from Marsannay, Bourgogne Aligoté, and Aloxe-Corton.

At A Glance

FieldDetail
RegionBurgundy, Côte de Nuits
VillageMarsannay-la-Côte
Main grapesChardonnay and Aligoté in white wines, red Marsannay selections
Signature wineMarsannay Clos du Roy
Defining featureLess extracted reds and whole cluster fermentation

The Producer

Laurent Fournier works in Marsannay-la-Côte, where Domaines Jean Fournier traces its origins to the 17th century. The domaine makes red and white wines, and Laurent prefers less extracted wines than his father did. Its range includes named Marsannay wines, Bourgogne Aligoté En Auvonne, and Aloxe-Corton.

Place

Marsannay-la-Côte sits in the north of the Côte de Nuits, within Burgundy. The domaine's wines carry Marsannay names alongside Bourgogne Aligoté En Auvonne and Aloxe-Corton, giving the range both a home address and bottles from beyond Marsannay.

Story

Laurent Fournier planned standard bottling for April to May while running tests at 20 to 22 months of élevage. He was testing the longer cellar period for warmer vintages and watching what it would bring in cooler years. Élevage is the time between fermentation and bottling, and longer élevage can soften texture while allowing aromas to integrate before the wine leaves the cellar. The trials were still underway when Laurent described them.

Vineyards And Cellar

The red wines use approximately 50% whole cluster fermentation, with the whole clusters placed at the bottom of the tank instead of layered through it. Whole cluster fermentation leaves the stems with the grapes during fermentation. Stems can contribute perfume, spice, and tannin, while the tank placement controls where that material sits during the ferment.

Wines

The range includes red Marsannay wines from Clos du Roy, Es Chezots, Longeroies, and Le Chapitre, together with white Marsannay Clos du Roy Blanc. Bourgogne Aligoté En Auvonne and Aloxe-Corton extend the range beyond Marsannay.

Marsannay Clos du Roy Blanc is Chardonnay from 20 to 40 year old vines. Bourgogne Aligoté En Auvonne comes from old vines in Couchey. The lineup therefore includes named red and white Marsannay wines, older Chardonnay, and old vine Aligoté.

In The Glass

Es Chezots shows darker fruit and higher floral notes, with a mouth filling palate, fresh energy, and an almost juicy finish. Longeroies is airier, with good shape and a fuller yet mobile and fluid palate. Aloxe-Corton has more middle density on the nose, a perfumed flavour with some stem character, and an open, mobile middle palate with lovely clarity.

The white wines move differently. Bourgogne Aligoté En Auvonne is bright and fresh, with a little carbonation and citrus energy. Marsannay Clos du Roy Blanc has creamy barrel notes, riper yellow citrus fruit, and depth cut by acidity.

A Bottle To Understand It

Choose Marsannay Clos du Roy. The 2020 wine has fine floral aromas, direct flavours, mouth watering energy, extremely fine tannins, and minimal dryness. It introduces the red range through a named Marsannay cuvée with a clear, low dryness profile.

Anecdote

In 2011, Laurent Fournier's daughter Pauline was born. Laurent created a special wine cuvée named P'tite Grumotte to celebrate the birth. The following year, 2012, his son Charles was born, and Laurent created Pur Pôt as a second birth cuvée. The two names were attached to the children in order, P'tite Grumotte for Pauline and Pur Pôt for Charles. The labels were named after the births of Laurent's children, Pauline in 2011 and Charles in 2012.

Final Word

Domaines Jean Fournier is a Marsannay-la-Côte domaine with named Marsannay reds and whites alongside Bourgogne Aligoté En Auvonne and Aloxe-Corton. Laurent Fournier's cellar work includes lower extraction, whole cluster fermentation, and trials of extended élevage.

Sources

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