Vieux Collège Marsannay "Les Favières" 2021

Notes:

- Producer: Domaine du Vieux Collège is a family-owned estate based in Marsannay-la-Côte and is currently managed by Éric Guyard, the seventh generation of the family. Since taking over in 2006, Guyard has expanded the estate to approximately 25 hectares across Marsannay, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, and the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. The vineyards are certified organic, with an emphasis on soil health, controlled yields, and sustainable farming. Production remains focused on traditional Burgundian varieties, with Pinot Noir accounting for most of the estate's holdings. The domaine produces a range of village and Premier Cru wines while maintaining a reputation for offering approachable, terroir-driven Burgundy at modest prices.
- Vineyard: Les Favières is a village-level climat located in Marsannay-la-Côte, the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits. The domaine farms 1.71 hectares of Pinot Noir with an average vine age of 30 years. The vineyard is planted on clay-limestone soils typical of Marsannay, providing good water retention while allowing roots to penetrate fractured limestone beneath the surface. Marsannay is unique among village appellations in Burgundy because it is authorized to produce red, white, and rosé wines under the same appellation. Les Favières consistently produces wines that emphasize freshness, fine tannins, and bright red fruit while reflecting the structure associated with the Côte de Nuits.
- Winemaking: Produced from 100% Pinot Noir, the grapes are harvested by hand and fermented using traditional Burgundian methods. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels that have previously held wine for three or four vintages, minimizing the influence of new oak and allowing the fruit and vineyard character to remain the primary focus. The restrained élevage preserves freshness and varietal purity while contributing texture and structure. The domaine favors a balanced style that emphasizes precision over extraction, resulting in a wine that is approachable in its youth while capable of short- to medium-term cellaring.
- Food Pairing: Pair with roast chicken, guinea fowl, pork loin, veal, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or soft-ripened cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. The wine's moderate tannins and bright acidity also complement grilled salmon and classic Burgundian dishes featuring herbs, mushrooms, or cream-based sauces.