Burgundy, France is home to arguably the finest Pinot Noir in the world. This fickle little red grape is often referred to as the “Goldilocks” of all varieties because to thrive, it demands a growing climate that is not too warm and not too cold. The former will produce an overly alcoholic, unfocused, jam bomb while the latter could inhibit ripening and possibly disjointing the wine’s naturally high acidity levels.
For the most part, Burgundy’s geography and climate, when not disrupted by early frost, rain or hail is clearly the best match for these temperamental little vines.
If you are a fan of the Pinots and Chardonnays of this most sacred of wine growing regions, then you are well aware that the prices have sky rocketed over the past 20 years, making many of the top quality wines increasingly unaffordable or, due to limited supply, simply unattainable.
To overcome this new reality, our buying strategy has changed. Our philosophy is to
find wines from the best producers but from lesser-known villages in the region; hidden treasures, if you will!
One recent, gem that we’ve discovered that we are particularly proud of is the 2018 Domaine Matrot, Maranges, Rouge, La Fussiére, Premier Cru $48.99.
Maranges is one of those Burgundian villages that can fly under the radar of many Burgundy consumers due to its obscure location at the very southern tip of the Côte de Beaune. This is, after all, an area famous for some of the best Chardonnay in the world from villages like Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, so excellent Pinot Noir can easily be overlooked!
The Matrot family has been growing wine in this area of Burgundy since the late 1880’s and the estate is now in the seemingly good hands of sisters Adèle and Elsa.The Matrot sisters completely de-stem their Pinot grapes from this site, one of seven Premier cru vineyards in the village. They allow the wine to rest on its lees for 15 months in 20% new oak before bottling, which adds hints of spice and complexity to this uncharacteristically rich wine.
The fruit in the 2018 is plenty ripe and shows delicious aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry and fresh herbs. This is a more full-bodied style wine with somewhat lower acid levels then typical for Burgundy but still very well-balanced.
Matrot’s 2018 La Fussiére received 90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and deservingly so. Its ripe fruit make it a great match for grilled meats and aged cheese!
And, at $48.99, you can add this wine to your cellar without breaking the bank. It will drink well for the next five to seven years.