Presentation
Founded more than three centuries ago, Maison Jean Fournier is one of the historic estates of Marsannay, an emblematic appellation of the Côte de Nuits. Taken over by Laurent Fournier, the property is today a model of commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture, applied with great rigor to enhance the identity of Burgundian terroirs. The estate extends over 16 hectares, mainly in the Marsannay, Fixin, and Gevrey-Chambertin appellations. It is one of the pioneers in promoting Marsannay white wines, which express beautiful minerality here. The reds, made from Pinot Noir from massal selections, are vinified in gentle infusion, with minimal extraction to reveal all the finesse of the grape variety. The signature of the estate lies in a low-intervention approach, producing chiseled, precise wines with great aromatic purity.
Location
The Le Chapitre vineyard is located in Chenôve, at the northernmost edge of the Marsannay appellation, near Dijon. Historically considered for Premier Cru status, this site enjoys an east-southeast exposure and a microclimate cooled by plateau breezes. The old vines, over 60 years of age, are planted on a well-drained slope that provides optimal ripening conditions for Pinot Noir. Le Chapitre is one of the finest lieux-dits in Marsannay, known for producing wines of great depth, structure and noble character.
Terroir
The soil is composed of white marls, fine clay and hard limestone in the subsoil. Combined with the advanced age of the vines, this geological makeup yields concentrated grapes rich in black fruits and fine tannins. The poor, stony soil encourages deep rooting, resulting in marked minerality and balance. This terroir fosters powerful yet refined expressions of Pinot Noir, with firm structure, layered complexity and excellent ageing potential.
In the vineyard
Jean Fournier has farmed this vineyard organically since 2008, following a precise and nature-respecting approach. No herbicides or synthetic inputs are used. Soils are tilled mechanically or by hand, and some biodynamic practices are adopted to enhance plant vitality. Vineyard interventions are kept to a minimum to preserve the natural balance. The goal is to harvest healthy, ripe grapes that carry the energy and authenticity of the site into the finished wine.
Harvest
Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted in the vineyard. Fruit from the old vines is partially destemmed, then gently vinified in concrete or stainless-steel tanks.
Winemaking
Indigenous yeasts start fermentation, followed by about three weeks of maceration with moderate extraction to preserve the finesse of the fruit.
Ageing
The wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels, with a modest proportion of new wood (15 to 20%). This extended élevage polishes the structure without dominating the wine. Bottling is done without systematic filtration.
Varietal
Pinot Noir : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 14 à 74 years old
Serving
Serve around 14 - 16°C
Ageing potential
3 to 5 years
Tasting
Marsannay Le Chapitre Vieilles Vignes Rouge reveals a deep ruby colour with garnet highlights. The nose is expressive, with notes of black cherry, cassis, violet, fine pepper and forest floor. The palate is full and structured, with present but silky tannins. The texture is dense yet fresh, driven by a mineral tension that extends the finish. This is a wine of character, both elegant and powerful, which benefits from a few years of ageing to reveal its full complexity. It is a true expression of place, with intensity and precision in balance.
Food pairings
This bold, refined wine pairs beautifully with hearty and flavourful dishes. Try it with beef Wellington and Pinot Noir sauce, duck confit parmentier with porcini mushrooms, or roasted butternut squash gratin with aged Comté. For cheese, Saint-Nectaire or a well-aged Tomme make excellent companions. On the sweet side, a sour cherry clafoutis or a dark chocolate-hazelnut tart enhances the wine’s fruity depth. Le Chapitre Rouge shines alongside generous cuisine that blends rusticity and elegance with finesse.
