Marsannay Blanc 2013, Michel Magnien

Always a good wine to throw into a blind-tasting, the white Marsannay is more than an oddity. Certain soils in Marsannay are better matched to chardonnay than pinot noir and the more northerly exposition of Marsannay means that the whites can often do much better in troublesome years like 2004 and 2011 when there is not enough sunshine to ripen the temperamental pinots. This Marsannay blanc has a light pineapple, pear and marzipan nose. The pear flavours continue on the palate. Its distinctively dry with a wheat-like texture balanced by good tree fruit (Marsannay blanc never seems to be citrus dominated). Scores 22-24/30 for a Marsannay blanc.