Domaine Bruno Clair Marsannay Blanc 2012

If you really love rich white Burgundy and are sent into raptures every time you get a whiff of its mesmeric custard apple-y, creamy, lemony charm and would be really rather interested in something similar, with a curious twist? Well stop right there, partner! This is your man. It has a dollop (15% to be precise) of Pinot Blanc – a rare thing in Burgundy – which adds extra roundness and blossom-y notes to this gorgeous wine. Coming from Domaine Bruno Clair, one of the best producers in the area, it ain’t much of a surprise.

Bruno Clair founded the domain titled after his own name in 1979. He comes from a bountiful wine heritage dating back to his grandfather Joseph Clair who founded the famous Domaine Clair-Dau in 1919. Today the estate holds a large presence across the Cot D’or with vineyards in nine different appellations, most notable for its remarkable Marsannays, Gevreys and old vines Savigny Cuvées.

Marsannay is the most northern appellation in the Cote De Nuit sub region of Burgundy. Unique from its neighbouring appellations for being the only of the Burgundy communes to produce red, white and rose wines. Chardonnay grapes grown on hillside slopes composed of limestone soil with a thin layer or marl, an ideal combination to produce ripe fruit with mineral complexities

Like his father and grandfather before that, Bruno maintains a rigorous selection of only the best Chardonnay vines by cultivating only those that produce small grapes with high concentration of flavour and optimal ripeness. He also selects those that by nature have a higher resistance to disease and virus to ensure minimal use to chemical sprays in the vineyards. Grapes are all harvest carefully by hand and only the best quality grapes are used to produce his wines.

Marsannay Blanc is produced from 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Blanc. The wine is fermented in a mixture of stainless steel tanks and oak foudres. It then undergoes 85% malolactic fermentation to create a soft creamy palate while still leaving some crisp acidity to balance the ripe fruit flavours. Displaying lush flavours of citrus, stone fruits and butter with added complexities of fruit blossom and honey from the hint of Pinot Blanc.