You would be forgiven for not knowing much about Maranges. Tucked in the south-western corner of the Cote de Beaune, it lacks the cachet of neighbouring villages such as Volnay, Puligny and Chassagne. However, this absence of recognition makes it one of the few areas where you can still find a bargain. The young and talented Bachelet-Monnot brothers are producing some true Burgundian magic.
Marc and Alexandre Bachelet took over their family domaine in 2005. With just over 20 hectares of vines, they produce a range of refreshing and honest wines, which reflect their respective terroirs with accuracy and grace. In Marange’s top site of La Fussiere, they own just over two hectares of very old vines, from which they produce brilliant reds and whites.
Read MoreThe 2017 Maranges La Fussiere Blanc was fermented and aged in 350 litre barrels with no battonage for 18 months. Grapes hail from the higher part of the Fussiere vineyard where the soils are slightly poorer. There is real energy here with vibrant flavours of limes and limestone being complemented by a nutty richness, racy acidity and bags of terroir complexity. At just under £29 on your dining table, this offers sparkling Cote de Beaune intricacy and charm at a fraction of the price of its northern neighbours.
Their 2016 Maranges La Fussiere Rouge is equally striking. It was picked slightly earlier (than the Chardonnay) and was fermented using 25% whole bunches and aged in 25% new oak barrels. The style is bright, delicate and pure. Generous and fragrant, with open-knit flavours of wild strawberries, cherries and violets combined with complex herbal notes, this is a juicy yet highly sophisticated wine. Again, the lack of notoriety is a friend to your wallet; this red Burgundy is under £25.
Stock up for the festive season whilst you can, either by the bottle or large format, and enjoy.