Robust Côte de Beaune Premier Cru Red Burgundy on a Budget

Domaine Jean-Claude Regnaudot “La Fussière” (Maranges, Premier Cru, 2014)
Special 6-pack Price: $167 (~$28/bottle)

Didier Regnaudot’s very old Pinot Noir vines grow out of the steep hillsides on the southernmost edge of the Côte de Beaune. One of the top producers in Maranges, Didier is the fourth generation to manage his family’s property in the town of Dézize-les-Maranges where he learned precise vineyard management and winemaking from his father, Jean-Claude.

The region of Maranges forms a link between the southern end of Côte-d’Or and the northernmost vineyards of Côte Chalonnaise. The appellation covers the three villages of Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges, and Sampigny-lès-Maranges, and abuts its neighboring appellation of Santenay, with which it shares some well-regarded Premiers Crus.

Though the slopes of Maranges are slightly different in orientation to those of the rest of the Côte de Beaune, their nature and origins are geologically alike. Ranging in altitude from 780 to 1,300 feet, most vineyards have a South/South-westerly exposure. Granted appellation status a mere 30 years ago, it is clear that the region is only beginning to garner the reputation it deserves for its robust red wines.

“La Fussière” comes from a 2.5 acre Premier Cru vineyard with vines planted in 1930, 1947, 1955, 1962, and 1987. The soil consists of Jurassic substrate, mainly black/grey marl. Grapes are hand harvested and sorted in the vineyard. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks and the wine is aged in oak barrels (40% new oak, 60% 1 or 2 years old) for one year before being blended into stainless steel tanks and aged for another 3 months. The wine is then bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Aromas of cherries, cocoa, and cinnamon precede a mouthful of ripe fruit followed by a long and wiry finish. It’s a firm and dark red Burgundy, with enough maturity to offer a generous drink right now, and enough structure to lay down for a few more years. Pair a bottle with almost any protein that is served with a robust mushroom sauce.

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Posted on 2019.02.28 in France, Saturday Sips Wines, Burgundy