Marrans wines

After having experienced harvests in New Zealand and Australia, Mathieu Melinand took over as wine maker, from his father, Jacques, in 2009. This is a beautifully situated, 20 hectare estate, with vineyards in six appellations. Although situated in Fleurie, it is the Melinands’ wonderful vieilles vignes Chiroubles that is the real star of a group of meticulously made crus. Domaine des Marrans dates back to the late 19th century but it was really Mathieu’s father and mother, Jacques and Liliane, who took over the vineyards in 1970 and built up the domaine in to what is today. Mathieu strongly believes in the importance of the traditional Beaujolais method of vinification and does not use any “techno” wine making processes. He learnt, when making wine in the New World, that he needed to retain his region’s traditions and above all, reflect his terroirs in each of his wines.

Minimum intervention is the Melinand’s policy in the vineyards, with low yields and late picking being primary targets. Although not certified organic, there is no use of man-made fertilisers or chemicals and the steep slopes are all hand-worked due to the lack of tractor access!