Clos Marey Monge Tasting

Exploring the Clos Marey Monge Tasting in Beaune

If you’re heading to Burgundy and want a taste of the region’s renowned wines without the crowds and grand chateaux, the Clos Marey Monge tasting offers a charming, intimate experience. This tour isn’t just about sipping wine; it’s about understanding what makes Burgundy’s terroir so special and how biodynamic techniques influence each glass.

What excites us most about this experience are the personalized guidance from a professional, WSET-trained wine advisor, the opportunity to sample at least six different wines, and the small group setting that feels more like a private tasting than a tour. However, a drawback is that the cellar visits are currently unavailable due to renovation, which might limit the full immersive experience. Still, if you’re eager to learn about Burgundy’s iconic Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay in a relaxed, friendly environment, this tour hits many of the right notes.

This tasting is best suited for wine lovers keen to deepen their understanding of Burgundy’s unique terroir and those who appreciate small-group experiences. Travelers who value expert insights, a relaxed pace, and authentic wines will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Led by a WSET-trained wine advisor who offers detailed, approachable explanations.
• Six Wines Tasted: Focus on Clos Marey-Monge’s signature Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with insights into vintage variations.
• Small Group: Max six people, ensuring a personalized and intimate setting.
• Educational Focus: Learn about terroir, vintages, and biodynamic winemaking techniques.
• Flexible Schedule: Three different times throughout the day to fit your plans.
• Price & Value: At $48.62, offers a solid tasting experience with expert guidance in Burgundy.

An In-Depth Look at the Clos Marey Monge Tasting

The Location and Setting

The tasting takes place at 15 Rue Marey Monge in Pommard, a delightful village in Burgundy. While the cellar visits are not currently possible due to ongoing renovations, the tasting room itself retains the rustic charm typical of the region’s wineries. Visitors often comment on the beautiful, authentic setting that complements the experience.

What the Tour Includes

For $48.62 per person, you get a one-hour guided tasting of six wines. The experience is designed to not only taste but also to explain the effects of vintage, terroir, and biodynamics on the wines. The tour also offers the chance to compare different expressions of Pinot Noir from Château de Pommard, making it perfect for those wanting to understand Burgundy’s nuanced wine landscape.

The Guided Experience

The guiding hand of a WSET-trained wine advisor elevates this tasting. Reviewers mention guides like Flavian, who received praise for their knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate explanations. One guest noted the guide’s excellent storytelling and clear explanations, making even complex concepts accessible.

Tasting the Wines

During the session, you’ll sample a minimum of six wines, all from Clos Marey-Monge, allowing you to appreciate how climatic conditions and specific vineyard plots influence flavor profiles. Reviewers have highlighted the wines’ outstanding quality, with one saying, “The quality of the wines was fantastic.” Expect to explore Pinot Noir’s various expressions, revealing the distinctive character of each plot.

Education on Terroir and Biodynamics

A key part of this tour is understanding what makes Burgundy wines so unique. You’ll learn about “Climat”, the Burgundian concept that links specific vineyard plots to their distinct terroirs. Plus, the guide explains biodynamic principles and how they contribute to the wines’ taste, adding a layer of appreciation for natural winemaking techniques.

The Flaws and Limitations

While the tasting itself is praised, several reviews mention the absence of cellar visits or vineyard walks, which are typically part of Burgundy wine tours. One reviewer expressed a wish for more vineyard interaction, noting, “It was a shame before and after the tastings the vineyards and chateaux weren’t used more in the tour,” especially given the scenic surroundings.

The Overall Value and Experience

When weighing the price against what’s offered, $48.62 for a small-group, expert-led tasting with six wines is competitive. The tour’s focus on educational content and quality wines makes it a worthwhile choice for those eager to deepen their Burgundy experience without paying for a full chateau tour.

The small group size of six ensures an intimate atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and personalized attention is guaranteed. This is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, engaging session with an expert, rather than a large, impersonal tour.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledge of guides and the excellent quality of wines. One enthused, “Very informative. Excellent guide. Beautiful place and excellent wine,” emphasizing the combination of beautiful surroundings and expert storytelling. Others appreciated the variety of wines and the chance to compare different Pinot Noir expressions.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance: The tour is popular, often booked 19 days ahead.
• Arrive on time: Tours start punctually, and late arrivals might miss the full experience.
• Consider the timing: With three options, choose a time that suits your schedule for a relaxed experience.
• Bring questions: Guides are knowledgeable, and this is your chance to ask about biodynamics, vintage impacts, or Burgundy’s terroirs.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tasting is perfect for wine enthusiasts who appreciate the finer points of Burgundy’s terroir and biodynamic practices. It’s also excellent for small groups or couples wanting a personalized experience. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and wine-focused session that emphasizes quality and authenticity, then this is right up your alley.

However, if you’re craving full vineyard access or cellar visits, you might find this experience somewhat limited. The current focus on tastings means you’ll miss out on the full vineyard walk, which many consider a highlight of Burgundy tours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the guide explains concepts like terroir and vintage effects in an accessible way, making it suitable for those new to wine.

How many wines will I taste? You will sample at least six wines, all from Clos Marey-Monge, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

What is included in the price? The price covers the guided tasting of six wines. Cellar visits are not included due to ongoing renovations.

Can I choose a preferred time for the tour? Yes, there are three different times throughout the day, so you can select one that fits your schedule.

Is transportation provided? No, you meet directly at the specified address in Pommard.

What if I need to cancel? Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; full refund if canceled within this window.

Are service animals allowed? Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Will I learn about biodynamic winemaking? Absolutely. The guide explains how biodynamic practices influence wine taste and quality.

Final Thoughts

The Clos Marey-Monge tasting in Beaune offers a genuinely enjoyable and educational experience for those eager to explore Burgundy’s famed wines without the fuss of large group tours. The small-group setting and expert guidance create a relaxed environment perfect for asking questions and expanding your wine knowledge.

While the absence of cellar visits might be a drawback for some, the quality of wines, the informative guidance, and the beautiful setting still make this a memorable experience. It’s particularly suited for wine lovers wanting a taste of Burgundy’s terroir and biodynamics in a friendly, intimate environment.

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic, and reasonably priced wine experience with a focus on quality and education, this tour hits the right notes. Just remember to book ahead, arrive on time, and come prepared with questions about Burgundy’s legendary wines.

Additional Recommendations

If you’re interested in exploring more Burgundy experiences, consider combining this tasting with walking tours of Beaune, vineyard biking, or visits to underground caves. Reviews suggest that, once renovations are complete, additional vineyard and cellar visits will significantly enhance the experience, so keep an eye out for that.

Enjoy your Burgundy wine journey — it’s a region that offers more than just wine; it’s a story of land, tradition, and craftsmanship in every glass.