La Maison Romane Marsannay Longeroies 2021

La Maison Romane is the small scale, artisanal négociant project of Oronce de Beler, based in Vosne-Romanée in Burgundy. Established in the mid 2000s, it focuses on producing limited quantities of traditional, minimal intervention wines that highlight vineyard identity rather than cellar influence. The Marsannay “Longeroies” 2021 comes from one of the most prized climats in Marsannay in the northern Côte de Nuits, an area increasingly recognised for serious, age worthy Pinot Noir. The Longeroies vineyard is planted on limestone-rich soils with clay and marl components, delivering structure, freshness and a distinctly mineral profile. The 2021 vintage in Burgundy was highly challenging, with frost and mildew significantly reducing yields and resulting in a cooler, more classic style vintage marked by tension, precision and aromatic lift. Production is extremely limited at just 2,580 bottles, reflecting the reduced yields of the year. Vines are 40-50 years old and farming is low intervention, aligned with organic principles, though not certified.

This Marsannay “Longeroies” 2021 is made from Pinot Noir that is vinified in a highly natural, minimal intervention style. The fruit is fermented with 100% whole clusters, a hallmark of Oronce de Beler’s approach, enhancing aromatic complexity, herbal lift and structural definition. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, followed by ageing for around 12 months in used French oak barrels, ensuring the oak remains neutral and does not dominate the fruit. The wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered and with either no added sulphur or only extremely minimal doses (around 5 mg/l). The result is a vibrant, finely etched Pinot Noir with aromas of red cherry, cranberry, wild raspberry, dried herbs and floral notes, underpinned by a cool, stony minerality. The palate is taut and energetic, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, saline finish. It is approachable now with a short decant but will develop over 6–10 years. Typical critical scores sit around 90–92 points, with praise for its “pure, cool-climate expression and striking aromatic detail in a difficult vintage.”