Wines Maranges Renaud Valot - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Renaud Valot's Maranges Premier Cru 2018 is a fine representation of Pinot Noir from the southern end of the Côte de Beaune. The 2018 vintage offered generous sunshine and warmth, resulting in wines that express ripe fruit and a certain plushness, yet retain the hallmark freshness of Burgundy. As a Premier Cru within Maranges, the wine is sourced from designated vineyard plots known for their superior soil composition and favourable exposition, producing wines of greater complexity and depth. Vinification here respects tradition, with careful extraction to balance concentration with refinement, and likely sees maturation in French oak barrels to round out the tannins and impart subtle spice without masking the purity of fruit.

The Maranges appellation sits at the transition between the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise. The region benefits from a semi-continental climate, experiencing pronounced seasonal differences that favour the measured ripening of Pinot Noir. Soils in Maranges are particularly interesting, marked by a mixture of clay-limestone with pockets of marl, lending both structure and lively acidity to the wines. This terroir, once overlooked, is now increasingly recognised for producing Burgundies that combine the finesse of their northern neighbours with a touch more generosity and approachability. The area has a storied past, with cultivation dating back to the Middle Ages, providing a strong sense of continuity and tradition in the vineyard.

Pairing suggestions for this Maranges Premier Cru revolve around dishes that highlight the wine’s supple tannins and red-fruited finesse. Roast duck with cherries, pan-seared venison, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin are excellent matches, as are classic Burgundian recipes such as coq au vin or beef bourguignon. A semi-matured Comté or a creamy Chaource also make rewarding companions.

For optimal enjoyment, decanting the wine for 30 minutes will help open its aromatic profile. Serve slightly cool, ideally between 15-16°C, to accentuate its freshness and subtle earthy undertones. This approach will allow the wine to reveal both its youthful fruit and its layers of mineral nuance.