WINES FROM MAXIME MAGNON
ABOUT MAXIME MAGNON
That Maxime Magnon is part of one of the most revolutionary wine movements in France should give him a justifiable swagger to his step, yet he is nonetheless a reluctant hero. This thirty-something Burgundian was not born with hereditary rights to a domaine, but makes his own wine in the Corbières A.O.C. instead He was fortunate to have purchased some prime parcels of old vines from abandoned plots and rents his cellar—a garagiste if ever there was one. He farms nine parcels over eleven hectares, with steep vineyards that reach high altitudes, and manages it all on his own. Maxime is part of the new wave of passionate viticulteurs who cultivate their vines with the utmost respect for nature and the soil. He’s certified organic, but also incorporates biodynamic practices into his vineyard management. Like his good friend and mentor, Didier Barral (in Faugères), and Jean Foillard (under whom he studied in Morgon), he is a naturalist at heart, and seeks to create a harmonious ecosystem in his vineyards.
Most of Maxime’s vineyard land is comprised of schist and limestone subsoils in the sub-appellation Hautes Corbières, bordering Fitou to the South. This is incredibly tough terrain to farm in, as there is virtually no top-soil, just pure rock and garrigue. The Corbières “Rozeta” is a blend of these two district terroirs. This blend is particularly unique, from Carignan vineyards that are dispersed with numerous varietals of older vines, namely Grenache Gris, Macabou, and Terret, which are all picked and fermented together—a true field blend of the old school. “La Démarrante” is a blend of only Carignan and Cinsault, which does not adhere to the appellation rules; therefore it is designated as a Vin de Pays. It is terrific young and deliciously quaffable. Maxime’s tête de cuvé, “Campagnès,” is a single vineyard of the hundred-year-old Carignan, and is the most age-worthy in his line-up. All wines are aged in second-hand, Burgundian barrels sourced from a producer in Chassagne. “La Démarrante” ages both in cuve and in foudre. His wines offer great expression of fruit with immediate approachability.
Jason at Dedalus Wine says,"Languedoc wines – they’re where it’s at. Where else can you find a bottle of wine for around 20 bucks that will blast your pleasure receptors today and provide you with a worship-worthy drinking experience in 5 years? Maxime Magnon’s Rozeta is that wine. From 80 year old Carignan vines (with bits of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah), wine geeks covet this stuff like record collectors covet vinyl pressings of the White Album. It’s a time-warp wine that trashes the reality of expensive luxury cuvees and thousand-dollar oak barrels. Maxime’s into the ‘natural wine’ thing – a movement that seems new because of all the recent hype, but is really a revolt in favor of tradition over technology. His steep, hilly vineyards are kept trim by cows and goats to avoid soil compaction. His wines are bottled with little or no sulfur. Imagine that in the Central Valley… On the nose there’s a surprising fusion of almond, rose and cherry. A minerally mouthful of juicy cherry, plum and almond evolves – it’s zippy and cola-esque one second and then the next it’s deeply complex and refined. This is one fantastic wine – drink it with your people and they will thank you."
Kermit Says, "With no money, Maxime Magnon moved to the Languedoc where he makes wine from rented vines in a rented cellar. His wines are organically produced and vinified with methods Magnon learned working with Jean Foillard in Morgon. He has Carignan, Syrah and Grenache. They are easy to down, like Foillard's great Morgon, and they express the earthy rusticity of southern Corbières."
Most of Maxime’s vineyard land is comprised of schist and limestone subsoils in the sub-appellation Hautes Corbières, bordering Fitou to the South. This is incredibly tough terrain to farm in, as there is virtually no top-soil, just pure rock and garrigue. The Corbières “Rozeta” is a blend of these two district terroirs. This blend is particularly unique, from Carignan vineyards that are dispersed with numerous varietals of older vines, namely Grenache Gris, Macabou, and Terret, which are all picked and fermented together—a true field blend of the old school. “La Démarrante” is a blend of only Carignan and Cinsault, which does not adhere to the appellation rules; therefore it is designated as a Vin de Pays. It is terrific young and deliciously quaffable. Maxime’s tête de cuvé, “Campagnès,” is a single vineyard of the hundred-year-old Carignan, and is the most age-worthy in his line-up. All wines are aged in second-hand, Burgundian barrels sourced from a producer in Chassagne. “La Démarrante” ages both in cuve and in foudre. His wines offer great expression of fruit with immediate approachability.
Jason at Dedalus Wine says,"Languedoc wines – they’re where it’s at. Where else can you find a bottle of wine for around 20 bucks that will blast your pleasure receptors today and provide you with a worship-worthy drinking experience in 5 years? Maxime Magnon’s Rozeta is that wine. From 80 year old Carignan vines (with bits of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah), wine geeks covet this stuff like record collectors covet vinyl pressings of the White Album. It’s a time-warp wine that trashes the reality of expensive luxury cuvees and thousand-dollar oak barrels. Maxime’s into the ‘natural wine’ thing – a movement that seems new because of all the recent hype, but is really a revolt in favor of tradition over technology. His steep, hilly vineyards are kept trim by cows and goats to avoid soil compaction. His wines are bottled with little or no sulfur. Imagine that in the Central Valley… On the nose there’s a surprising fusion of almond, rose and cherry. A minerally mouthful of juicy cherry, plum and almond evolves – it’s zippy and cola-esque one second and then the next it’s deeply complex and refined. This is one fantastic wine – drink it with your people and they will thank you."
Kermit Says, "With no money, Maxime Magnon moved to the Languedoc where he makes wine from rented vines in a rented cellar. His wines are organically produced and vinified with methods Magnon learned working with Jean Foillard in Morgon. He has Carignan, Syrah and Grenache. They are easy to down, like Foillard's great Morgon, and they express the earthy rusticity of southern Corbières."
Website: http://kermitlynch.com/our_wines/
