Marsannay Sampagny 2020 - Pierre Naigeon

Marsannay is the northernmost appellation in the Côtes de Nuits and is the only appellation to have AOC status for the production of red, white and rosé wine. The climate is continental here, with warm, sunny days during the growing season, and cool evenings, which allows for the gradual ripening of the fruit with natural balancing acidity. The vineyard is situated in the lieu-dit of Sampagny where the vines are cultivated traditionally. The soils are diverse, predominantly sandy marl and mica with pockets of limestone. Pierre believes in respecting the terroir; he ensures the yields are kept low and follows organic and biodynamic principles, taking into consideration the cycles of the moon and the sun. The vineyard is certified organic, weeds are controlled by cultivating the soil and chemical herbicides and insecticides are not used. Only organic and natural products are employed to protect the vines against insects and natural biodiversity is encouraged. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal maturity.

Vinified following a philosophy of minimal intervention and low-sulphur use. The grapes were meticulously selected and gently vinified with wild, indigenous yeasts to ensure the greatest expression of the fruit and the terroir. The wine was matured for 15 months in 100% French oak barriques adding refined complexity

Pierre Naigeon is a leading and renowned producer in the Côtes de Nuits. The Naigeon family has been established in Gevrey-Chambertin for over 150 years. They acquired some vines and started to produce wine in 1890. The estate remained reasonably small until 2003 when Pierre purchased more land increasing their holdings to 11.5 hectares. Pierre Naigeon believes passionately in sustainable farming, without the use of herbicides. He believes in non-interventionist winemaking and aims to produce wines full of fragrance, revealing the natural terroir. The average age of his vines is remarkably high, mostly over 50 years, which endows the wines with an
extraordinary quality, maturity and concentration.

The 2020 growing season began with an unusually mild winter, which led into a clement spring. Warm weather during the spring cumulated in an unnaturally warm
April, prompting early budburst and flowering. This set the scene for a rapid growing season, with a hot, dry summer and low rainfall resulting in arid conditions. Fortunately, cleansing winds breezed through the vineyards, which helped keep the vines free from disease. Harvest took place earlier than usual due to the warm growing season and the wines show excellent balance, with good texture and structure.