Marsannay „Est-Ouest“ AOP 2022

Wine Description for Marsannay „Est-Ouest“ AOP 2022 by Jérôme Galeyrand

Colour & Appearance

Deep garnet red with youthful depth – a Marsannay that does not deny its origins from cooler vineyard sites, yet displays remarkable colour intensity.

Nose

Powerful and multi-layered, this 2022 presents itself with: fully ripe cherries with subtle stone fruit notes meeting wild raspberries and lilac. Beneath lies a fascinating spicy-smoky complexity – orange blossom water, hints of cold fireplace and an almost charcuterie-like note of fatty bacon. This bacon-smoky component lends the wine a distinctive, almost Burgundian-archaic character.

Palate

Gripping from the first moment: meaty bite, firm tannins and a fruit concentration that evokes cherry paste rather than fresh berries. The tannins are fine-grained, tightly woven, almost powdery-sweet on the tip of the tongue – a sign of physiologically ripe fruit. Remarkable is the expansive arc of acidity that, despite extract and power, creates an almost floating elegance. Here one sees the hand of a winemaker who minimises intervention and trusts the terroir.

Finish

Long, spicy and carried by fine tannin structure. The smoky notes return, accompanied by dark fruit and a mineral freshness that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

Marsannay, the northernmost village of the Côte d’Or, is often underestimated – unjustly so, as this wine proves. Galeyrand manages his parcels organically and biodynamically (certified since 2019), ploughs the vineyards and works according to lunar cycles.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Pinot Noir from old vines with remarkable genetic heritage – a passion of the winemaker. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation without industrial yeast, no fining, minimal sulphur use. Purist vinification that gives space to terroir and grape genetics.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The spicy-smoky complexity makes it ideal for Chinese tea eggs, braised Sichuan fish with star anise or poached Sichuan beef. Also an excellent choice with duck breast with cherry sauce or aged Comté.

Special Features

Jérôme Galeyrand is a fascinating outsider from the Loire who has worked with minimal intervention and maximum respect for terroir and grape genetics since 2001. This Est-Ouest impressively demonstrates the potential that lies within Marsannay.