You know I have a pretty decent White Burgundy palate, and I've got a new one that I'm over the moon about. Founded in 1894, Domaine Maurice Charleux is located in the village of Maranges, the southernmost appellation in the Cote de Beaune.
Just west of Santenay and north of Rully, the village's limestone soils are ideal for producing world-class Chardonnay. Trust me, this is world-class stuff, and to my palate, it bears a striking resemblance to tropical, floral, and mineralic Puligny-Montrachet. It just costs half the price of a Puligny.....
2022 Domaine Maurice Charleux Maranges Blanc
Why should you buy it?
- If I had my own publication, I'd rate this at 93-94 points. It's so poised and composed, with wonderful notes of exotic tropical fruits, ripe citrus, white flowers, spice, and flinty mineral. YUM!
- Coming from 30+ year-old vines planted in rocky limestone soils, this is aged for 12 months in French oak (just 10% new). What I love here is how the oak gently frames the fruit, not overwhelming things, but adding a slight roundness and spiciness to the wine.
- I would happily put this up against $75 to $100+ White Burgundies from the higher-rent districts to the north -- I'm talking Puligny, Chassagne, and Meursault. I guarantee you it would fare well...
- Being that white wine accounts for less than 5% of production in Maranges, just 250 cases were produced for the vintage. We bought all 10 cases that were allocated to WNC, so no need to shop around for this one ; )
White Burgundy of this quality makes a bad day good and a good day GREAT! Enjoy this with humble and easy dishes like roasted chicken, salmon, or pork tenderloin roasted with apples. My mouth is watering, so I must go eat : )
