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, totaling 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 designations 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 that can synthesize the character of an entire village, the northernmost tip of the Côte d’Or. The common denominator of the entire project remains the emblematic silhouette of the Marsannay tower depicted on this label, just like all the bottles from the Domaine.

“Trois Terres” Vieilles Vignes would be the most accurate name for this production from Domaine Jean Fournier: the age of the vines that produce this pure Pinot Noir is between 50 and 60 years.bear fruit for the creation of this pure Pinot Noir. To highlight a common characteristic of the parcels by name, one must undoubtedly mention the mineral aspect: Les Grasses-Têtes and La Charme aux Prêtres, at least, are vineyards characterized by a clear outcrop of the bedrock, leaving very few centimeters for a soil layer. The grapes from these plots are harvested at maturity, with an initial quality selection already carried out during the harvest, which is done manually. Quickly brought to the winery, the bunches are 80% destemmed and allowed to ferment 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 it is complete. The aging takes place in oak barrels, mostly new, for a period of at least 18 months.

Delicate and clear ruby is the appearance of the “Trois Terres”: a precise introduction to the lightness of this creation by Domaine Jean Fournier. The nose is complex and dynamic, with aromas suggesting a fresh woodland shade: deep and dark notes of berries, such as blackberry and blueberry, combined with floral nuances of iris and wisteria. Secondly, spicy scents emerge, more pungent than sweet, with a hint of wild mint. The taste reveals itself as elegant with an interesting structure and very fine tannins in delicate balance with the powerful freshness. The finish is long, clean, with vague and savory blood-like notes. A bottle for a classy table: mushroom velouté, lobster in bellavista.