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 11 parcels. This wine spent about 12 months in used casks and was then racked to cement vats, where it rested for roughly six months.
The Bachelet aim has always been to craft finer, more aromatic reds from the Côte’s southern reaches, and this limestone-rich site has helped further this aim. 30% whole bunches helps 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 1er Cru—represents brilliant value!