Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru Magnum 2023, Château de Marsannay

Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru Magnum 2023, Château de Marsannay is the smallest of the Gevrey-Chambertin Grands Crus, perched above the Clos de Bèze on an almost outcropping limestone slab. A rare, taut cru that calls for patience.

Ruchottes-Chambertin lies at the top of the slope, north of the Clos de Bèze, on barely more than three hectares. The soil there is lean, the limestone rock almost bare, and the vine works in a constrained environment. The result owes less to power than to precision: taut wines, with a tight framework, whose minerality marks the finish at length. The altitude and the low water reserve shift ripening a little, which preserves freshness even in sun drenched vintages.

Château de Marsannay opens the route des Grands Crus, at the northern entrance to the Côte de Nuits. It belongs to the same owner as Château de Meursault and farms 40 hectares under organic agriculture, 28 of them on the best terroirs of Marsannay. Its jewels lie elsewhere: four Grands Crus, Chambertin, Ruchottes-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot and Echezeaux, and Premiers Crus from Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée.

Key points

• Origin: France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits
• Appellation: Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru
• Estate: Château de Marsannay
• Grape variety: Pinot Noir 100 %
• Vintage: 2023
• Colour: Red wine
• Viticulture: Certified organic agriculture
• Volume: 150 cl, magnum

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Clear, clean ruby, more translucent than its neighbours on the hill
• Nose: Morello cherry, black currant, warm stone, pine needles, fine spices
• Palate: Taut and chiselled, compact tannins, mineral and saline finish that lengthens without weighing

Serving and storing

Serve this Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru at 15 to 16 °C. Its cellaring potential is ten to twenty years. The magnum ages more slowly than the bottle, so count on a few years more. Store the bottle lying down, at a stable temperature, away from light and vibration.

Food and wine pairings

Saddle of lamb with herbs, truffled Bresse poultry, grilled veal chop. A long aged comté works better here than a soft cheese.

Going further

Read the Côte de Nuits, the climats and the Grand Cru hierarchy and the difference between Grand Cru and Premier Cru. Find every cuvée in our Château de Marsannay collection, and the rest of our Burgundy selection in the Bourgogne collection or among our red wines.

Frequently asked questions

What sets Ruchottes-Chambertin apart from Chambertin?

The position on the slope. Ruchottes is higher, on a leaner and stonier soil. The wine gains in tension and minerality what it gives up in volume. It is also one of the smallest Grands Crus of the Côte de Nuits.

Can this wine be drunk young?

You can, but it would be a shame. The first years show mainly the tannic framework. After eight to ten years in the cellar, the fruit and the minerality come together and the wine takes on its true dimension.

Why choose a magnum?

The magnum holds 150 cl, the equivalent of two bottles. The ratio between the volume of wine and the surface in contact with air is more favourable, which slows the evolution and often gives fresher wines at the same age. It is also the format for a big table.

How is the bottle shipped?

Delivery is free in France on orders from 300 €. Each bottle is carefully packed and sent with tracked shipping.