Marsannay 'Mogottes', Domaine Michel Magnien 2019

Marsannay is the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits almost in the suburbs of Dijon and the red wines from here are known for their delicate fruitiness. And this admirable expression from Frédéric Magnien demonstrates those qualities to a tee. All the fruit is from his 'Les Mogottes' vineyard and has a welcoming soft acidity and silky texture which sits very well in balance with the earthy fruit flavours and understated vanilla oakiness. A really good example of a northern Côte de Nuits red.

It's delicacy and finesse make it a good pairing with rich feather game like duck or pheasant.

Domaine Magnien is an interesting operation in that there are two distinct sides to what they do. First there's the 'Michel Magnien' label - these are the wines from the family's own vineyards and which have been biodynamic since 2015. And then there's 'Frédéric Magnien', their négociant label which sources fruit from partner growers vineyards across the Côte de Nuits and while this label is not formally certified, everything is done along organic and biodynamic principles. They're based in the village of Morey-Saint-Denis and have vineyards across the region. Frédéric Magnien is the driving force behind everything having been responsible for the domaine's biodynamic ethos. New oak isn't their thing and more recently they've started using terracotta amphorae alongside used oak barrels for ageing - their guiding principle being to make wine that respects the purity of the fruit and the terroir from which it comes.