Pascal selected Great Southern in Western Australia for the Australian wines. He also brought in some innovative ideas for the time such as whole bunch pressing, the use of solids and natural fermentation. The objective was to make more “upright and fresh wine” as Pascal puts it, rather than the buttery Chardonnays of old.
When Janice McDonald joined Burch Family Wines in 2011 she took over responsibility for the Australian wines in the collection but she still likes to kick around ideas with Pascal.
Recently Pascal and Jeff have gone through the painstaking and expensive process of getting new Burgundian vine clones through quarantine to further improve their Australian Pinot Noir.
Despite the successes there have been lows. “Frost and hail wiped out 80% of production in 2016 in Burgundy. But you had to go out in the vineyard, working it even though there was nothing left. You had to believe that nature would be generous again. So she was in 2017.”
Marchand and Burch offer an Australian Collection comprising of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Great Southern region in Western Australia and a French collection from Regional Burgundies through to Grand Cru level wines.
Three to Try:
Marchand and Burch Villages Chardonnay 2017 RRP $37
A pristine, perfectly made Chardonnay from the Great Southern that channels Chablis. It’s chalky dry, with a nice depth of white peach flavour and a long finish. Great value for the quality of the wine.
Marchand and Burch Villages Rosé 2017 RRP $26
An equal blend of Shiraz and Pinot Noir predominantly sourced from Great Southern. Australian winemaker Janice McDonald takes some inspiration from traditional French rosés in this savoury and elegant rosé with an interesting texture.
Marchand and Burch Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2014 RRP $690
For wine drinkers they say “all roads lead to Burgundy” and Grand Cru wines sit right at the top, representing just 1% of Burgundy’s total production. The Clos de Vougeot Vineyard was planted by Cistercian monks from the 12th century. The price of course is eye watering but nowhere else on the planet makes pinot noir like this.
Go to www.marchandandburchwines.com.au
This is an excerpt from an article that appeared in the winter edition of Marque Magazine
greatwineblog 