Marchand-Tawse
Summary
Marchand-Tawse is a Nuits-Saint-Georges-based négociant house founded in 2010 by Quebec-born winemaker Pascal Marchand and Canadian financier Moray Tawse, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from limestone and clay terroirs across Burgundy's prestigious appellations. Their minimalist winemaking approach emphasizes biodynamic principles, native yeast fermentations, and tailored oak regimens, while their strategic vineyard acquisitions and collaborative grower relationships have rapidly elevated their standing in Burgundy's traditional hierarchy.
Heritage & Leadership
Marchand-Tawse was established in 2010 as a partnership between Pascal Marchand, a Quebec-born winemaker with extensive Burgundian experience, and Moray Tawse, a Canadian financier and wine enthusiast. Pascal Marchand first arrived in Burgundy in 1983, working initially at Domaine des Comtes Armand in Pommard before developing his expertise across the region. Moray Tawse, founder of the Tawse Winery in Ontario's Niagara Peninsula, brought his business acumen and passion for Burgundian wines to the partnership.
The négociant house operates from its headquarters in Nuits-Saint-Georges, combining Marchand's winemaking philosophy with Tawse's financial backing to secure access to quality fruit from throughout Burgundy. While beginning as a purely négociant operation, the company has gradually acquired vineyard parcels in several appellations. The partnership represents a fusion of Canadian entrepreneurship with deep respect for Burgundian tradition, allowing them to produce wines from numerous appellations across the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.
## Vineyards & Wines
Marchand-Tawse functions primarily as a négociant, sourcing grapes from growers across Burgundy's key appellations while maintaining strict quality standards. Their portfolio spans from regional Bourgogne to Grand Cru designations, with particular strength in the Côte de Nuits. The company produces wines from prestigious appellations including Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, along with Côte de Beaune sites in Volnay, Pommard, and various Chardonnay-focused areas.
The company works with vineyards featuring Burgundy's classic limestone and clay soils, with variations depending on the specific appellation. Their Grand Cru offerings include Charmes-Chambertin, Clos de la Roche, and Corton, while their Premier Cru selection encompasses numerous distinguished sites. The portfolio is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting Burgundy's traditional focus. Through long-term relationships with growers, Marchand-Tawse maintains consistent access to quality fruit, supplemented by their own vineyard acquisitions.
## Philosophy & Practice
Pascal Marchand's winemaking approach draws from his experience with biodynamic practices, emphasizing minimal intervention to express each vineyard's distinctive character. The winemaking process begins with careful sorting, followed by varying percentages of whole-cluster fermentation depending on the vintage and vineyard. Fermentations typically occur with native yeasts in open-top fermenters, with gentle extraction methods preferred over aggressive techniques.
For aging, Marchand-Tawse utilizes French oak barrels, with new oak percentages calibrated to each wine's structure and appellation status—generally higher for Grand Crus and more substantial Premier Crus. Village and regional wines see less new oak to preserve fruit expression. The wines undergo minimal fining and filtration before bottling.
The company's approach balances respect for traditional Burgundian methods with practical adaptations to each vintage's conditions. Their working relationships with growers often include guidance on viticulture practices, creating a collaborative approach that maintains quality from vineyard to bottle. This philosophy of terroir expression through careful winemaking has established Marchand-Tawse as a quality-focused producer within Burgundy's négociant tradition.
Vineyards & Wines
Marchand-Tawse functions primarily as a négociant, sourcing grapes from growers across Burgundy's key appellations while maintaining strict quality standards. Their portfolio spans from regional Bourgogne to Grand Cru designations, with particular strength in the Côte de Nuits. The company produces wines from prestigious appellations including Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, along with Côte de Beaune sites in Volnay, Pommard, and various Chardonnay-focused areas.
The company works with vineyards featuring Burgundy's classic limestone and clay soils, with variations depending on the specific appellation. Their Grand Cru offerings include Charmes-Chambertin, Clos de la Roche, and Corton, while their Premier Cru selection encompasses numerous distinguished sites. The portfolio is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting Burgundy's traditional focus. Through long-term relationships with growers, Marchand-Tawse maintains consistent access to quality fruit, supplemented by their own vineyard acquisitions.
## Philosophy & Practice
Pascal Marchand's winemaking approach draws from his experience with biodynamic practices, emphasizing minimal intervention to express each vineyard's distinctive character. The winemaking process begins with careful sorting, followed by varying percentages of whole-cluster fermentation depending on the vintage and vineyard. Fermentations typically occur with native yeasts in open-top fermenters, with gentle extraction methods preferred over aggressive techniques.
For aging, Marchand-Tawse utilizes French oak barrels, with new oak percentages calibrated to each wine's structure and appellation status—generally higher for Grand Crus and more substantial Premier Crus. Village and regional wines see less new oak to preserve fruit expression. The wines undergo minimal fining and filtration before bottling.
The company's approach balances respect for traditional Burgundian methods with practical adaptations to each vintage's conditions. Their working relationships with growers often include guidance on viticulture practices, creating a collaborative approach that maintains quality from vineyard to bottle. This philosophy of terroir expression through careful winemaking has established Marchand-Tawse as a quality-focused producer within Burgundy's négociant tradition.
Philosophy & Practice
Pascal Marchand's winemaking approach draws from his experience with biodynamic practices, emphasizing minimal intervention to express each vineyard's distinctive character. The winemaking process begins with careful sorting, followed by varying percentages of whole-cluster fermentation depending on the vintage and vineyard. Fermentations typically occur with native yeasts in open-top fermenters, with gentle extraction methods preferred over aggressive techniques.
For aging, Marchand-Tawse utilizes French oak barrels, with new oak percentages calibrated to each wine's structure and appellation status—generally higher for Grand Crus and more substantial Premier Crus. Village and regional wines see less new oak to preserve fruit expression. The wines undergo minimal fining and filtration before bottling.
The company's approach balances respect for traditional Burgundian methods with practical adaptations to each vintage's conditions. Their working relationships with growers often include guidance on viticulture practices, creating a collaborative approach that maintains quality from vineyard to bottle. This philosophy of terroir expression through careful winemaking has established Marchand-Tawse as a quality-focused producer within Burgundy's négociant tradition.