Clair Obscur Maranges "Sur le Bois Sud" 2022

Clair Obscur Maranges "Sur le Bois Sud" 2022

Bourgogne Rouge – Maranges, Burgundy, France

Description
Pierre Clair is one of Burgundy’s biodynamic masters, with extensive experience as chef de culture at Domaine Marquis d’Angerville in Volnay. Together with his wife, he now stewards family vineyards under the phenomenal natural wine project Clair Obscur.
Natural here means the purest sense of the word — wines of maximum vitality and minimal intervention from lesser-known terroirs that, in skilled hands, can rival the most prestigious crus.
The name “Clair Obscur” also reflects a philosophy: life is rarely black or white — true beauty often lies in the subtle greys…

This Maranges “Sur le Bois Sud” 2022 is a vibrant, pure and artisanal red, offering an honest and terroir-driven expression.

Origin & Terroir
From the parcel Sur le Bois Sud, located in Cheilly-lès-Maranges. Soils are predominantly sandy, from a 0.27 hectare plot planted in 1968. A lesser-known terroir with striking personality and distinctive character from the Côte de Beaune.

Viticulture & Vinification
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Harvest: Manual, hand-sorted in the vineyard
• Fermentation: 100% whole bunch, maceration in foudre for 8 to 20 days
• Spontaneous fermentation, no SO₂ added
• Indigenous yeasts
• Ageing: 13 months in barrels
• Total SO₂: < 10 mg/L
• Residual sugar: 0
• Bottled: December 2023

Tasting Notes
A vibrant red with silky texture and fine tannins. On the nose, bright wild cherry, dried leaves and damp earth. The palate is fluid, with refreshing acidity and subtle minerality. A delicately expressive wine with enough energy and structure to pair beautifully with rich dishes.

Style & Philosophy
Crafted with a natural, minimal intervention approach, allowing the terroir to speak clearly. A small production, old-vine wine that embodies the artisanal spirit of Clair Obscur.

Suggested Pairings
• Roast duck with cherries
• Wild mushroom risotto
• Beef tartare
• Washed rind or soft cheeses

Drinking Window
Delicious now, with graceful ageing potential for 5 to 7 years. Serve at 14–16 °C.