Marsannay Rouge 'Trois Terres' Jean Fournier 2019

“Trois Terres” is the truly unique interpretation of three rather different parcels, scattered across the territory of Marsannay-la-Côte, covering a total of less than one hectare: Grandes Vignes, Les Grasses-Têtes, and La Charme aux Prêtres, the last two currently being promoted to the rank of 1er Cru by the INAO, the French body that oversees the denominations of origin. Laurent Fournier, the young and skilled manager of Domaine Jean Fournier, works with old Pinot Noir vines with varying ripening rhythms and soil characteristics to create an exclusive label, capable of synthesizing the character of an entire village, the northernmost point of the Côte d’Or. The common denominator of the entire project remains the emblematic silhouette of the tower of Marsannay traced on this label, just like all the bottles of the Domaine.

“Trois Terres” Vieilles Vignes would be the most accurate name for this production of Domaine Jean Fournier: the age of the vines lies between 50 and 60 years.bearing fruit for the production of this pure Pinot Noir. To highlight a common characteristic of the parcels by name, one must undoubtedly mention the minerality: Les Grasses-Têtes and La Charme aux Prêtres, at least, are vineyards characterized by an evident exposure of the bedrock, which leaves very few centimeters available for a soil layer. The grapes from these plots are harvested at maturity, with an initial qualitative selection already made during the harvest, carried out manually. Quickly brought to the winery, the bunches are destemmed at 80% and fermented spontaneously, thanks to the work of only indigenous yeasts. The gentle pressing occurs during fermentation, and the skins and part of the stems remain in maceration until exhaustion. The aging takes place in oak barrels, mostly new, for a period of at least 18 months.

A delicate and clear ruby is the appearance of “Trois Terres”: a precise introduction to the liveliness of this creation from Domaine Jean Fournier. The nose is articulated and dynamic, with aromas that suggest a fresh forest undergrowth: deep and dark notes of berries, such as blackberry and blueberry, combined with floral nuances of iris and wisteria. In the second instance, spicy notes emerge, more pungent than sweet, and a breeze of wild mint. The tasting reveals itself to be elegant with an interesting structure and very fine tannins in delicate balance with the powerful freshness. The finish is long, clean, with vague and flavorful blood-like notes. A bottle for a classy table: velvety with mushrooms, lobster in plain view.