Rouges Queues

Jean-Yves and Isabelle Vantey at the summit of Les Maranges!

Just a few years ago, Maranges was a little-known appellation. Since then, things have changed. Talented winemakers have moved in and raised awareness.

Domaine des Rouges Queues is one of those pioneers to whom we owe a great deal. And it's only fitting that today, the domaine is one of the most sought-after, as its wines have improved in quality vintage after vintage. The 2023 received this week are clear proof of this.

Located in Burgundy, in the small village of Sampigny les Maranges, in the heart of the most southerly of the Côte de Beaune appellations, the domaine was created in 1998. At the time, it consisted of a single hectare of Maranges red. Over the years, several other appellations were added, and the estate now covers 5 hectares. Isabelle and Jean-Yves Vantey's aim is to let the Maranges terroir express itself through their wines. To achieve this, they practice organic and biodynamic viticulture, and gentle vinification that respects the work done in the vines.

The grapes are harvested by hand, and sorted in the vineyard to select the best grapes. In the winery, the harvest is partially destemmed for the reds. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats, using only indigenous yeasts. Depending on the year, some pumping-over and punching-down are carried out. After 12 to 14 days of maceration, the wines are devatted and aged in oak barrels. The ageing period is around 12 months for the reds, but has tended to increase in recent years to give the wine greater length.

Domaine des Rouges Queues is playing a part in the renaissance of the fine terroirs of the southern Côte de Beaune. These established winegrowers, who have been biodynamic since 2008, have decided to evolve their style slightly, with more fluid, more delicate wines, but still with great substance and, of course, the bright fruitiness that characterizes them. Unsurprisingly, we were truly seduced by both the whites and the reds of this very fine 2023 vintage. Well done Isabelle and Jean-Yves.

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