Maranges French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Maranges is the southernmost appellation of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, a little-known source of sturdy, fruity Pinot Noir with excellent value for money.
More info about Maranges
Geographic position
Eastern France, straddling the Côte-d'Or and Saône-et-Loire departments, just southwest of Santenay, covering the villages of Cheilly-, Dezize- and Sampigny-lès-Maranges, where the Côte de Beaune meets the Côte Chalonnaise.
Origin & history
The monks of the Abbey of Maizières cultivated vines here from the 12th century. Long sold as Côte de Beaune-Villages, the three villages were united under the single Maranges AOC in 1989, with seven Premier Cru climats such as La Fuissière and Clos des Loyères.
Wines & grape varieties
Mostly red from Pinot Noir, with notes of black cherry, blackberry, spice and firm, rustic tannins that soften after a few years; a small amount of white from Chardonnay.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate. South- and southeast-facing slopes of clay-limestone and marl, with some sandy soils.
Wine region: Burgundy
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir