The town of Maragnes is an underrated source for red Burgundy. Located at the very southern end of the Côte d’Or, it’s often left off regional maps, and its reputation is for rusticity over refinement.
But chosen carefully, Maranges can offer excellent value for red Burgundy drinkers. The wines never reach the complexity of Vosne or Chambolle, but can offer a less subtle alternative at far better prices.
These days we’re enjoying the 2016 Maranges 1er cru “Fussière” from the Domaine Roger Belland, a cheerful, approachable red Burgundy with unusual class for its level.
Jasper Morris MW calls the Belland domaine “A very reliable source of modern, sleek, stylish and elegant Red and White Burgundies.” We agree — the Belland wines are smooth and accessible at all levels of their lineup. Today’s Maranges is lively, round, and, as Belland puts it, “very gourmand.”
In the nose there’s intense, juicy, bursting cranberry fruit, with notes of honey and tulips. The mouth is pleasant and punchy with young, approachable tannins, no raspiness, and a clean refreshing finish. Burghound found it “very round” with “nicely voluminous flavors” and “pliant tannins.”
Think a pinot noir with the jovial soul of a Beaujolais.
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Belland Maranges 1er cru 2016
bottle price: $35
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