Viniou Reviews
Domaine Roger Belland’s Maranges 1er Cru “La Fussière” is a fine example of Pinot Noir from one of the southernmost appellations of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy. While this bottle is non-vintage, the wine draws its character from the Premier Cru parcels of La Fussière, planted on limestone-clay soils at the foothills of the Montagne de Corton. The domaine works traditional methods in both the vineyard and winery, favouring gentle extraction and careful maturation, often in a proportion of new and used French oak barrels to add subtle complexity without overwhelming the Pinot’s natural fruit and elegance. Expect vivid aromas of raspberry, cherry, and wild strawberry, intermixed with delicate notes of violet, forest floor, and a hint of spice from time in oak. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, smooth, and finely structured, with supple tannins and a persistent, lightly mineral finish that is the mark of its noble terroir.
Maranges is historically one of the less well-known appellations of the Côte de Beaune yet has gained prominence for its Premier Cru sites such as La Fussière, which benefit from a slightly warmer microclimate than the northern Côte. The region’s south-easterly orientation and well-drained soils result in ripe, concentrated fruit without losing the hallmark finesse of Burgundy. Despite its proximity to the great names of the Côte d’Or, Maranges offers exceptional value and authenticity, with centuries of winegrowing tradition tightly woven into its landscape.
For a classic pairing, enjoy this Maranges 1er Cru with roast duck breast, game birds, or a delicately prepared beef bourguignon. The wine will also pair beautifully with wild mushroom risotto, herb-crusted pork loin, or regional specialties such as coq au vin. For cheese, opt for mild, earthy varieties like Brie de Meaux or Époisses.
Serve this wine slightly cool, ideally at 15-16°C, to enhance its freshness and allow the delicate bouquet to fully unfold. Decanting for thirty minutes is advisable if the bottle is young, to let the Pinot Noir express its full aromatic complexity.
