Domaine Jean Fournier

Domaine Jean Fournier – The committed expression of the Marsannay terroirs

Domain name

Domaine Jean Fournier

Wine region

Côte de Nuits – Burgundy

Appellations and terroirs

Domaine Jean Fournier is located in Marsannay-la-Côte, in the north of the Côte de Nuits. It covers 22.5 hectares, spread between the Côte de Nuits (Marsannay, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Gevrey 1er Cru, Brochon) and the Côte de Beaune (Aloxe-Corton, Corton Grand Cru, Pernand-Vergelesses). Its flagship vineyards include "Clos du Roy", "Le Chapitre", "Es Chezots", "Longeroies" and "Champs Perdrix", all renowned for their quality potential and geological diversity. These terroirs rest on a clay-limestone base with marly variations, conducive to a great mineral expression.

Emblematic grape varieties

Pinot Noir – Chardonnay – Aligoté – Pinot Beurot (Pinot Gris) – Chardonnay Rose

Philosophy and History

The Fournier family has been present in Marsannay since the 17th century. Henri Fournier, a winemaker in Chenôve, already passed on his passion for the vine. In 1962, his son Jean took over the reins of the estate at just 17 years old, after the sudden death of his father. He gradually developed the estate, distinguishing himself through his innovative vision: bottling and marketing, pioneering planting in the Chenôve and Marsannay appellations, and a return to more sustainable farming practices.
His son Laurent joined the adventure in 2001. He breathed new life into the business by gradually converting the vineyard to organic farming from 2003, certification obtained in 2008. Passionate about rare grape varieties and biodiversity, he promotes Aligoté, Pinot Beurot and Chardonnay Rose de Marsannay, while preserving the DNA of Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape variety of the Côte de Nuits.

Production specifics

The estate pays meticulous attention to vineyard work: Guyot-Poussard pruning, careful hand-work, bud thinning, vine training, leaf removal, and harvesting are all done exclusively by hand. Part of the vineyard is plowed by horse, particularly on the old, fragile vines. This traditional method ensures optimal soil preservation by preventing compaction and stimulating microbial activity.
Planting densities sometimes reach 20,000 vines per hectare, well beyond usual standards. This root competition forces the vines to draw their nutrients deep into the bedrock, intensifying the mineral expression and mitigating the effects of adverse weather conditions. The grapes are harvested in 15 kg crates and carefully sorted by hand.

Winemaking and aging

The reds are vinified with precision: some are made with whole bunches, depending on the cuvée, with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts, cold pre-fermentation maceration, gentle punch-downs, and pump-overs. Aging in old barrels (16 to 20 months) is minimally interventionist: weekly topping up, regular tastings, and minimal SO2 adjustments. The style aims for purity, finesse, and depth, while respecting the vintage.
The white wines (Chardonnay, Aligoté, Pinot Beurot) are vinified using a long pressing process, without initial sulfites. Natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are followed by aging in barrels with a light post-fermentation sulfite addition. The result is expressive, saline, lively wines, well-suited for aging.

Environmental commitment

Domaine Jean Fournier has been certified organic since 2008. It uses no synthetic products, relies on natural preparations, organic composts adapted to each plot, and promotes soil health. The use of horses, massal selection, genetic diversity of grape varieties, and planting density are deliberate choices. All vineyard work is designed to preserve the ecosystem, encourage natural regulation, and allow each terroir to express its unique character.

Recognitions

The estate is highly praised in leading guides such as La Revue du Vin de France, Bettane+Desseauve, and Bourgogne Aujourd'hui. It is lauded for the precision of its wines, their ability to accurately express the terroir, their aging potential, and their aromatic clarity. Today, it is one of the most ardent ambassadors of Marsannay and a driving force behind the Premier Cru classification of the appellation's finest vineyards.

Through a range of 25 cuvées, red, white and rosé, Domaine Jean Fournier illustrates the richness and diversity of the Côte de Nuits. Combining Burgundian rigor and ecological awareness, it is forging an exemplary path in the demanding world of great Burgundy wines.

Why choose a wine from Domaine Jean Fournier?

• A family history rooted in Marsannay since the 17th century
• An estate certified in Organic Agriculture for over 15 years
• Renowned terroirs: Clos du Roy, Es Chezots, Le Chapitre, Corton…
• An artisanal approach: plowing with horses, natural winemaking, long aging
• Precise, elegant, profound wines, crafted for gastronomy and aging.

Discover the selection of wines from Domaine Jean Fournier and let yourself be carried away by their freshness, their complexity and their authentic signature of the great Burgundy terroirs.