Bachelot Monnot Maranges 1er Cru

The Wine... comes from 5.5 acres of vines planted between 1940 and 1975. No herbicides are used at this estate. There is an additional layer of silky red fruit in the Premier Cru La Fussiere that is absent in most basic reds of the Cote de Beaune. This is as attractive and enjoyable a Pinot Noir as you are likely to find. Fun for the whole family (over 21). Serve with N.C. trout, salmon, or almost anything that tastes good with wine.  

The Obscurity... Don’t feel like a bum if you are unfamiliar with Premier cru wines from Maranges. Collectively, the three villages of Dezize-Les-Maranges, Cheilly-Les-Maranges, and Sampigny-Les-Maranges have 160 hectares of vineyards, a quarter of which is rated as Premier Cru. Not much, any way you slice it. This particular version makes the case that Maranges may be a rare Burgundy value, worth tracking down.

The Land... Brothers Marc and Alexandre Bachelet took over at this family estate in 2005. Maranges is where the golden slope ends. The change is recognized administratively: the area is a part of Saone-et-Loire, not the Cote d’Or. Historically much of this area’s wine was labeled as Cote-de-Beaune-Villages. The wines contain vestiges of the amiable fruit appeal found in Savigny and Santenay, usually coupled with a deeper/darker component. Sometimes they are a touch rustic; Bachelet Monnot’s is not.