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Château de Messey, a large estate nestled on a hilltop
just 8 kilometers (five miles) from Tournus in the
commune of Ozenay is mentioned in IXth Century
manuscripts. Its surrounding region grew in importance
from the XIth Century, with the widespread construction
of abbeys and Romanesque churches, such as those still
found in Cluny, Chapaize and Tournus. Among other
endeavours, the monks of Cluny and Citeaux, whose
intellectual influence over many centuries remains
uncontested, cultivated grapes and developed the art of
fine wine making.
The
Château's two wings face each other across a lovely open
courtyard shaded by three 19th century horse chestnut
trees. The vaulted cellars and stores have now recovered
their original purpose and spirit. Typical of the
region, this cluster of buildings is topped by a
dovecote tower. Gently rolling below the château one
finds the domaine's farm, skilfully run by Gilles COMTE,
a mill along the Natouze stream and the vine workers’
cottages. Marc DUMONT has fully restored these houses in
their very traditional aspect, yet with all the modern
conveniences. Today these guest rooms and apartments
delight all those looking for the old fashion world of
calm, harmony, home made farm produce ...and
friendship. Marie-Laurence FACHON looks after this
activity under the direction of Vinciane DUMONT.
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History
In
1986, Marc DUMONT bought a
vineyard in Cruzille, in Mâconnais, that originally
belonged to the monks of the illustrious Abbey of Cluny.
A few years later, he met the Demoiselles Jourdan
sisters then the owners of Château de Messey, a domain
of 89 hectares
(220 acres), of which 17 hectares (42 acres) had
produced AOC wines until 1958. Marc Dumont purchased
this domain to carry on the tradition of many
generations in the art of fine wine making. The
beautiful XVIth century vaulted cellars assure the best
conditions for making high quality wine. To offer as
wide a range as possible, Marc DUMONT decided to extend
beyond the production of "Clos des Avoueries" by buying
grapes or must from quality vineyards across Burgundy.
After a few years, in order to reduce the distance from
the vines to the cellar to minimize the risk of
oxidation, he acquired Manoir Murisaltien, with 1500 m2
(16,000 sq. ft). of beautiful cellars in the heart of
Burgundy at Meursault, center of the fabulous white Cote
d'Or wines. Thus wines from Mâconnais are made and
matured at Château de Messey, while those from Côte de
Beaune, Côte de Nuits and Côte Chalonnaise are brought
to their full potential at Meursault, in the best
tradition of the unique flavour and style of each
specific terroir. |
