AOC Maranges

Maranges is the name of a hillside shared by three Saône-et-Loire villages, about 9 miles (15 km) south of Beaune. Each held AOC status as early as 1937, and their wines were later brought together under the single name Maranges.

Clay Soils That Set Maranges Apart in the Côte de Beaune

The subsoils of Maranges differ from the usual Côte de Beaune formations: limestone is scarce here, and the soils are mostly clay and silica. On this clay, the slope and the hillside's exposure keep the vineyards well drained.

A main north-south fault runs through the village of Dezize and splits the hillside into two bands. To the west, the slope sits on mottled Triassic clays rich in gypsum, which give deeply colored, massive wines.

To the east, Early Jurassic (Lias) marls with a few limestone beds produce wines in which elegance takes the lead over structure. The vineyard plots classified as Premier Cru lie in this eastern sector.

History of the AOC Maranges Appellation

Located in Burgundy, on the Côte de Beaune, the Maranges appellation is the latest addition to the communal appellations of this prestigious wine region. It was established in 1989, following the union of three villages: Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges, and Sampigny-lès-Maranges. These terroirs, once underestimated, have demonstrated their potential and earned well-deserved recognition within the great family of Burgundy wines, while remaining an excellent value for money in the region.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Maranges Appellation

Climate: The AOC Maranges appellation, like the rest of Burgundy and the Côte de Beaune, benefits from a cool oceanic climate under continental influences, with cold winters and hot summers, favoring good grape maturation.

Soils: Mainly composed of clay and marl, the soils of the Maranges vineyard allow for a beautiful variety of styles in its wines.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: The Emblematic Grapes of AOC Maranges

For red wines, Pinot Noir is the king grape of Burgundy and the AOC Maranges appellation, offering delicate and complex wines. As for white wines, less common in the appellation but equally charming, they are made from Chardonnay.

Wine Style of AOC Maranges

Red Wine: An intense crimson color with violet hues. The nose offers generous aromas of red and black fruits (morello cherry, strawberry), flowers (peony, violet), often accompanied by spicy and sometimes animal notes (leather). The palate is powerful and fleshy, with a beautiful tannic structure that softens over time, revealing remarkable elegance.

White Wine: A pale gold color with greenish highlights. Scents of white flowers (acacia, hawthorn), lemon, and butter fill the nose. The palate is straightforward and clean, with a fresh finish on citrus notes.

The Best Food and Wine Pairings with AOC Maranges Wines

Here are our tips for perfect food and wine pairings with a bottle of wine from an estate or château in AOC Maranges, both white and red:

Red Wine: Beef bourguignon, quail skewers, stuffed turkey with mushrooms.

White Wine: River fish, bouchées à la reine (vol-au-vent), veal escalope with cream.

Maranges: The Name, the Premier Crus and the White Wine

Why Do Cheilly, Dezize and Sampigny Carry the Maranges Name?

Cheilly and Dezize added "lès-Maranges" to their names in 1898, and Sampigny followed in 1899, taking the name of the site that made their wines' reputation. Maranges is the heart of the hillside the three villages share, and since the 18th century it has come up often in writers' rankings of Burgundy's crus.

How Much of Maranges Is Classified Premier Cru?

In 2008, about 80 hectares (roughly 200 acres) of Maranges were classified Premier Cru, close to half the vineyard area at the time. A first list of Premier Cru climats was recognized in 1943, and the appellation now has seven.

Is There White Maranges?

White Maranges does exist, but it is a small share: in 2008 the appellation made close to 400 hectoliters of white against some 7,000 hectoliters of red. The white is made from Chardonnay alone, while the red is built on Pinot Noir.

Where to Buy Maranges Direct from the Winemaker?

You can buy Maranges direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The wine comes to you directly from the producer who made it.

See also: AOC Santenay - AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune - AOC Mercurey