Maranges

The appellation d'origine controllée Maranges and Maranges Premier Cru is one of the most recent in the Côte de Beaune. Maranges wines were awarded the appellation in 1989. It covers the communes of Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Sampigny-lès-Maranges and Dezize-lès-Maranges, in Saône-et-Loire.

The 162 hectares of vines are mainly Pinot Noir (157ha), more than half of which are Premiers Crus. There are 7 of these: La Fuissière, Clos des Rois, Clos de la Boutière, Clos des Loyères, Clos Roussots, Clos de la Loyère and Croix aux Moines.

The Maranges and Maranges Premier Cru appellation produces red wines from Pinot Noir grapes, and to a lesser extent, 100% Chardonnay whites, two of Burgundy's flagship grape varieties.

Vin de Maranges: a Burgundy in its own right

The three communes lie in the valley of the Cozanne, a tributary of the Saône, south of the Côte de Beaune. The valley shares its origin and geological nature with this wine-growing region. That's why Maranges wines used to be classified as "Côte-de-Beaune-Villages". Cheilly, Sampigny and Dezize are the only Côte de Beaune communes that belong to the Saône-et-Loire département. Here, the terrain is more undulating than in neighboring Côte-d'Or, and the slopes face south/southeast. The vines are planted between 200 and 400 meters above sea level, on well-drained soils composed of calcareous marl and stony scree at the foot of the slopes. A lighter, gravelly soil is found at Cheilly-lès-Marange, which produces soft wines. In Sampigny and Dezize, where the soils are brown limestone and marly limestone, the wines are firmer and more structured. The winemakers have thus highlighted the specific characteristics of this terroir to be able to unite their production under the same A.O.C., the most recent in the entire Côte de Beaune.

Typically Burgundian grape varieties

The two main grape varieties from which Maranges wines are made are emblematic of the Maranges region. Burgundy region. The Pinot Noir grape, which thrives particularly well on these hillsides, dominates the vineyards. Although Maranges wines are mainly red, there is also a small production of whites, exclusively Chardonnay. The Maranges appellation covers more than 180 hectares of vines. More than half of the grapes harvested are used to make Maranges 1er Cru. This distinction is shared by seven "climats", as Burgundy vineyards are known: Clos de la Boutière, Clos des Loyères, Clos de la Loyère, Clos des Rois, Clos Roussots, Croix des Moines and La Huissière.

Maranges: powerful, colorful wines

The red wine from Maranges has a beautiful ruby color, sometimes darker, tending towards purplish. The nose reveals aromas of strawberry and raspberry, followed by floral notes of violet. Fresh and full-bodied on the palate, with spicy pepper flavors. This still wine is best served at 16°C, and goes perfectly with braised meats. Its acidity means it can be kept for several years. The Maranges 1er Cru has a more assertive character. You can smell wild fruit, orange peel, honeysuckle and prune. They keep longer, and are wonderful after three to five years. The best vintages can wait up to fifteen years before being enjoyed. Maranges blanc, ideal as an aperitif or with fish, has a light straw color, with occasional emerald-green highlights. When tasted, it is flowery, with a fresh bouquet of hawthorn and acacia. Over the years, it develops aromas of gunflint and honey.