Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Domaine Derey Frères – Marsannay “Les Vignes Marie” 2021 🇫🇷
Marsannay AOC, Côte de Nuits – Burgundy, France

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from Marsannay, the only Côte de Nuits village allowed to produce wines in all three colors (red, white, and rosé). “Les Vignes Marie” is a standout parcel that shows the classic finesse of Burgundy Pinot while keeping Marsannay’s hallmark freshness and approachability.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry lead the nose, with hints of rose petal, subtle spice, and earthy forest floor. A touch of mineral undertone brings lift and precision.

Mouthfeel
Elegant and medium-bodied with silky tannins, lively acidity, and a refined structure. Balanced and supple, finishing with freshness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Winemaking Notes
The Derey family has been established in Marsannay since the mid-17th century, and their work focuses on organic farming and gentle cellar practices. The 2021 vintage, cooler and classic in style, emphasizes delicacy over power.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board. Its finesse makes it versatile across light meats and earthy vegetarian dishes.

Verdict
A graceful Burgundy Pinot that captures Marsannay’s balance between Côte de Nuits structure and charming approachability. For me, this sits as one of my most favorite wines in the Côte de Nuits — at a very affordable price point, it punches well above its weight and shows how Burgundy can still deliver tremendous value.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why Marsannay Matters
Marsannay, at the northern gateway of the Côte de Nuits, is often overshadowed by its neighbors like Gevrey-Chambertin. But its wines deliver exceptional value, showing Pinot Noir with purity, finesse, and terroir character — a smart entry point into Burgundy without the Grand Cru price tag. Cheers! — a month ago

Ted

9.3

Digging this watching the final 4. Really good stuff. — 3 years ago

Joseph Gannon

9.5

super cool and different white, pounded it with grilled oysters with hot sauce/tarragon butter — 3 years ago

with Brooke

Tom Casagrande

9.1

A surprisingly gorgeous evening in DC tonight at a favorite classic bistro. This Giggie has loads of ripe fruit, but is drinking really well already. Very soft, decent acids. Some savory notes. The alcohol (15%) pooks through on the back half of the palate. But it was served a little warmer than I’d like, so that probably amplified it. — a month ago

Guy Acheson

9.3

Fresh, clean. — 7 months ago

Cristiano Humberto Naves de Freitas Azevedo

8.9

Good wine, soft tannins, nice aromas — 3 years ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.3

One of the best domestic rose’s. Keep in mind this is also four years old and it’s still absolutely killer. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

A classical, and more regional-driven Burgundian 100% Pinot Noir. Enticing sharp red cherry color, red fruity aromas with rounded acidity, so typical from Burgundy’s soil of clay-limestone based. Since it combines grapes sourcing from village to village with different terroirs selected to enhance an elegant expression of Pinot Noir, this one still keeps the Ropiteau’s house style. It is definitely an excellent region representation at an excellent price point. Cheers! — 6 months ago

Henry Fuseler

8.9

1/2025. Light, good flavor and nice on the palate. Paired well with smoked salmon and cream cheese on toast. Also paired well with my baked chicken. — 9 months ago

Sharon Ambrose

9.1

Light enough for fish yet heavy enough for duck — 3 years ago