Bachelet-Monnot Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière Rouge 2023

La Fussière is the largest climat of Maranges (at the very south of the Côte de Beaune, next to Santenay), covering an area of almost 35 hectares. It faces south towards the start of the Côte Chalonnaise, on a slope at an altitude between 290 and 400 metres. With the addition of a new parcel in 2020, the Bachelet vines cover three hectares with an average age of 60 years. This cuvée comprises seven parcels. This wine spent 12 months in used casks and was then racked to cement vats where it rested for roughly six months.

Bachelet has always aimed to craft finer, more aromatic reds from the Côte’s southern reaches, and this limestone-rich site has furthered this aim. The addition of 30% whole bunches helped as well. In addition to the reviews below, Jasper Morris opines: “if you don’t know or don’t rate Maranges, this wine is the wake-up call.” Hear, hear! A gorgeous wine that in today’s Burgundy—and bear in mind that this is Burgundy Premier Cru—represents brilliant value!