Top-Value Red Burgundy to Enjoy This Season

Marsannay is easily overlooked within Burgundy’s firmament of stars, but its crowd-pleasing reds, in particular, are perfect for festive entertaining. Pretty, easy-drinking Pinot at good value.

Reinvigorated under the forward-looking ownership of Olivier Halley and the sensitive technical direction of Sylvain Pabiot, Chateau de Marsannay, along with Chateau de Meursault, is now one of the largest fully organically-certified estates in the Côte d'Or.

Among its extensive holdings is a ‘phenomenal’ (Jasper Morris MW’s words, not ours) range of lieux-dits, of which we would gently point you towards the 2015 Marsannay Clos de Jeu, a relatively muscular rendering now mellowing into a delightfully harmonious whole; and the 2016 Fixin, Petits Crais from Marsannay’s neighbouring appellation.

And we can’t resist drawing your attention to the 2016 Bourgogne En Montre Cul, whose name refers to the exposure not just of the steep slopes of the vineyard, but that of the backsides of the pickers as a result. We are happy to report, nonetheless, that this is a pleasantly fresh and fragrant cuvée – perfect party fare.