Description

Marc Delienne’s ‘Maurice’ cuvée was first released in 2018 under the Fleurie appellation, as a tribute to his neighbour who passed away that same year. Since then, in response to its success, ‘Maurice’ has become a regular cuvée in Beaujolais – or, we should say, in ‘Fleurie déclassé’, as the vines are located within the appellation, in the Chaffangeons vineyard. It offers the best value for money on the estate and provides a wonderful insight into Marc’s work. Maurice is a full-bodied, dense wine exuding black cherry and strawberry jam. Despite its richness, it remains perfectly balanced and retains all its cheerful, roguish character.

A deep respect for nature and the terroir

Having only just settled in, Marc Delienne immediately converted his estate to organic farming, whilst also applying the principles of biodynamics – a natural choice to avoid any hindrance to the soil’s memory. The vines are trained in the goblet style and the canopy is notably high, inspired by Lalou Bize Leroy’s method.

Conditions are difficult and sometimes extreme, particularly on the vertiginous Madone plot. The work with winches and pickaxes takes its toll on the men who labour there, but the values of respect for nature, the soil, the vines and the terroir are stronger. No matter the difficulties and trials that nature imposes: Marc Delienne sees viticulture as a form of resistance against the erosion of time and the weakening of the bond with the land.

A bespoke cellar to express the winemaker’s ‘touch’

The winery was built from scratch when the estate was taken over. Concrete vats, demi-muids and Austrian casks sit side by side to reveal the quintessence of the grape. Vinification is carried out naturally, without additives, except for a little sulphite when necessary.

It is difficult to say after how many vintages one can attribute a ‘signature’ to a winemaker, but Marc Delienne’s wines already have a clear guiding principle: vibrant fruit, rich textures, fine tannins, airy structures; incredible energy in the spirit of Jean-Louis Dutraive, his mentor in the appellation. Each cuvée has its own identity, yet a vibrant signature unites them all.

What to eat with a Beaujolais Maurice from Marc Delienne?

• Aperitif
• Stuffed cabbage
• Parsley ham
• Lyonnais sausage
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Saint Marcellin.