Les Clos Roussots

Les Clos Roussots sits within the Maranges appellation at the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune, straddling two communes: Cheilly-lès-Maranges and Sampigny-lès-Maranges. At 28 hectares, it is one of seven Premier Cru climates in Maranges, an appellation that received its AC status only in 1989. Despite its relatively recent official recognition, Les Clos Roussots has been cited as a notable lieu-dit since at least the 18th century, giving it a pedigree that predates the modern classification system by centuries.

• Maranges appellation created in 1989, unifying three communes
• Les Clos Roussots is one of seven Premier Cru climates in the appellation
• Located at the southernmost reach of the Côte de Beaune
• Historical records document the vineyard's prestige from the 1700s onward

The two-commune split in Les Clos Roussots produces meaningfully different soil profiles across the vineyard. The Cheilly-lès-Maranges portion, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of the total area, features light, pebbly soils over a base of blue-colored clay and marl mixed with limestone debris. The Sampigny-lès-Maranges portion transitions toward brown limestone and limy marls. Both sections share the fundamental limestone-influenced structure typical of the Côte de Beaune, contributing to the vineyard's reputation for producing wines with firm tannin structure and good mineral backbone.

• Cheilly portion: light pebbly soils over blue clay and marl with limestone debris
• Sampigny portion: brown limestone and limy marls
• Limestone influence throughout provides classic Côte de Beaune structure
• Soil variation across the two communes contributes to complexity in blended bottlings

The vineyard's south and south-east facing aspect, combined with elevations ranging from 260 to 315 metres, gives Les Clos Roussots a favourable ripening environment within Maranges' continental climate. The south-east orientation captures morning sun early in the day, encouraging steady, even ripening across the growing season. Continental conditions mean significant diurnal temperature variation, which preserves acidity and aromatic complexity in the finished wines.

• South and south-east aspect maximises sun exposure through the growing season
• Elevation range of 260 to 315 metres moderates temperatures
• Continental climate delivers warm summers and cold winters
• Diurnal temperature variation supports acidity retention in Pinot Noir

Les Clos Roussots consistently produces full-bodied, tannic Pinot Noir with a thick, dense character that rewards cellaring. The combination of limestone-rich soils, good elevation, and south-east exposure builds wines with both structure and depth. Several well-regarded domaines work fruit from this climate. Domaine Jean-Claude Regnaudot and Maurice Charleux et Fils are among the most established local names, with Labouré-Roi, Domaine Jeannot, and Maison En Belles Lies also representing the appellation in the market.

• Style: full-bodied with firm tannins and dense, concentrated fruit
• Significant aging potential distinguishes it from lighter Maranges bottlings
• Domaine Jean-Claude Regnaudot and Maurice Charleux et Fils are benchmark producers
• Maison En Belles Lies brings a newer perspective to the climat