Tasting Notes
The story
Maranges is one of the most southerly appellations in the Côte de Beaune area of Burgundy and before 1988 its mainly medium-bodied red wines were labelled as Côte de Beaune-Villages; since the new appellation came into being they can now call themselves Maranges AC or Maranges Côte de Beaune AC. Six generations of the Bachey-Legros family have worked on this small domaine, the particular character of their wines coming from the old vines. Age means lower-yielding vines and that plus the individual terroir translate into very concentrated grapes. Sustainable agriculture is practised.
The wine
I rated this village Burgundy higher than a number of Premier and Grand Cru Burgundies at a recent tasting. I was amazed that it was not at least a Premier Cru. Fruit aromas and flavours include red cherries, blackcurrants and raspberries; on the palate also some hints of liquorice and pepper. Tannins are smooth and subtle, the texture is silky and the finish very long. The wine may develop over the next 3 or 4 years but it is very approachable now. For even more elegance and smoothness, try the single vineyard Pinot Noir from the same producer, Santenay 'Clos des Hâtes'.
Food Pairing
Recommended to drink with roast chicken, turkey, guinea fowl, duck, goose, pheasant, pigeon, veal, calves liver, lamb, pork, mushroom based dishes. Ideal with a traditional Christmas turkey meal.
Awards
Tim Atkin MW named Bachey-Legros one of the Top 10 Burgundy producers to watch Decanter Feb 2020
RobertParker.com said of the winery in June 2014:
"I was intrigued to learn that six generations of the Bachey family have run this domaine. Nothing unusual about that, but each of those generations has been an only child. There are presently 18 hectares under vine in the appellations of Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet and Maranges, with a healthy stock of old-vine material. Today it is Christiane who runs the domaine with her two sons, Samuel and Lenaic. This was a fine set of wines that come recommended."
