In the glass
Aroma: crushed raspberry, wild strawberry, violet, fresh herb
Palate: red cherry, crunchy fruit, soft tannin, saline finish
The Marionnets' nouveau-style Gamay, fermented without added sulfites and bottled within months of harvest. Vivid, crunchy red fruit and a saline finish, meant to drink chilled in its first year.
What it pairs with
-
Charcuterie board with cornichons
Cured meats and the wine's bright red fruit refresh each other. -
Roast chicken with shallots
Light Gamay and a Sunday roast: a forgiving combination on a midweek table. -
Tomato and burrata salad
Summer flavours and the wine's juicy, lightly chilled red fruit align.
History
Premiere Vendange was launched in 1989 as the first commercial Gamay bottled in France without added sulfites. The cuvee has anchored Henry Marionnet's reputation as a Loire pioneer ever since.
- 1989 — First vintage of Premiere Vendange (no added sulfites)
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Henry Marionnet
- Grapes
- Gamay (100%)
- Classification
- Touraine AOC
- Oak
- Tank only, no oak, no added sulfites
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 16 to 24 at retail
- Drinking window
- 1 to 4 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1989
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 89 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2021)
Frequently asked about Premiere Vendange
What does Premiere Vendange taste like?
Crushed raspberry, wild strawberry, violet and fresh herb on the nose; red cherry, crunchy fruit, soft tannin and a saline finish on the palate. Light-bodied with low tannins and high acidity.
When should I drink Premiere Vendange?
Drink between 1 and 4 years from vintage, lightly chilled to 13 to 14C. The no-added-sulfites style is best in its first year.
What food pairs with Premiere Vendange?
Charcuterie board with cornichons, roast chicken with shallots, and tomato and burrata salad are all strong matches.
What grapes are in Premiere Vendange?
100 percent Gamay, the Beaujolais grape grown on sandy parcels of Henry Marionnet's Touraine estate.