Clos des Vignes du Maynes

History of Clos des Vignes du Maynes

The history of Clos des Vignes du Maynes is intimately linked to that of the Abbey of Cluny, founded in 910. The Benedictine monks, visionary in their approach to viticulture, surveyed this clos, delimiting its plots with boundary markers bearing their coat of arms, some of which are still visible today. Initially named "Vignes du Moynes", the estate became "Vignes du Maynes" in 1540, a nod to its monastic origins. The property of the Lords of the Château de Cruzille until the French Revolution, the estate was then cultivated by five generations of farmers before its acquisition in 1952 by Pierre and Jeanne Guillot.

Pierre Guillot, a visionary pioneer, made Clos des Vignes du Maynes one of the first French estates to adopt organic farming, banning all chemical products, herbicides, insecticides and sulphur in winemaking. His son, Alain Guillot, perpetuates this legacy and played a key role in the recognition of organic farming in France, notably by obtaining validation of the AB logo from the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1998, Julien Guillot joined the estate and marked a new milestone by converting all 7 hectares to biodynamics, achieving Demeter certification in 2005. Since 2001, Julien has led the estate with passion, breathing new energy into this thousand-year-old land while honouring its heritage. This history, spanning more than a millennium, makes Clos des Vignes du Maynes an unmissable reference for purchasing natural wines in Burgundy.

Terroirs and Vines of Clos des Vignes du Maynes

Clos des Vignes du Maynes extends over 7 hectares in Cruzille, within the AOC Mâcon-Cruzille, with a full easterly exposure that captures the morning light. The estate rests on an exceptional geological foundation dating from the Bathonian period (Middle Jurassic, approximately 20 million years ago). This shallow (25 to 40 cm) clay-limestone terroir is composed of oolitic limestones, crinoidal limestones and marine fossil marls, conferring a uniquely crystalline minerality to the wines. Certain plots, such as those producing the Aragonite cuvée, benefit from soils rich in calcium carbonate crystals, while the plot of the Manganite cuvée rests on soils containing manganese hydroxide, adding a rare aromatic complexity.

The 27 plots of the clos are planted with three emblematic grape varieties: Chardonnay (2.49 ha), Gamay (2.56 ha) and Pinot Noir (2.64 ha, dedicated to the Bourgogne appellation). This balanced distribution is atypical in the Mâconnais, where Chardonnay largely dominates. The estate completes its 7 hectares by farming Clos Fourneau (40 ares) and Martailly (1.25 ha) as tenant, all managed in biodynamics. The vines, sometimes 60 to 80 years old, are tended with care, with some plots ploughed by horse to preserve the soil structure. The warm oceanic climate, with an annual rainfall of 788.9 mm and an average temperature of 11.4°C, fosters well-balanced grapes, brimming with freshness and acidity. This exceptional terroir, combined with respectful viticulture, is the secret behind the vibrant and authentic wines of Clos des Vignes du Maynes, perfect for enthusiasts in search of natural cuvées to purchase.

Winemaking at Clos des Vignes du Maynes

Winemaking at Clos des Vignes du Maynes is a model of naturalness and precision, reflecting Julien Guillot's commitment to pure and expressive wines. Harvesting is exclusively manual, carried out in small crates with rigorous sorting to guarantee grapes of impeccable quality. In the cellar, no exogenous yeasts, enzymes or chemical inputs are used, and sulphur is kept to a minimum — or absent entirely in certain cases.

For the red wines, Julien perpetuates a family method: semi-carbonic maceration in a "mille-feuille" style, alternating whole bunches and destemmed grapes in wooden vats previously brushed with Burgundy marc to activate indigenous yeasts. This technique, refined over three generations, imparts delicate floral aromas (rose, peony) and a silky texture — the estate's signature. After fermentation, the reds are aged in non-new barrels or foudres until spring, with racking carried out on a waning moon to limit handling and avoid filtration.

The white wines, produced mainly by direct pressing, ferment in large vessels (foudres or demi-muids) to preserve their freshness and natural carbon dioxide, avoiding any pronounced oaky character. A light dose of sulphur (10 to 20 mg/L) is sometimes added before bottling to stabilise the wines. This minimalist approach, combined with an intimate knowledge of the terroirs, yields digestible, elegant wines that are faithful to their origin. For enthusiasts wishing to purchase natural wines, the winemaking at Clos des Vignes du Maynes offers a tasting experience of rare authenticity.

The cuvées of Clos des Vignes du Maynes

Clos des Vignes du Maynes offers a range of cuvées that capture the essence of the Mâconnais while revealing the singularity of each plot. Here is an overview of the main cuvées available for purchase:

Mâcon-Villages: This white wine, produced from Chardonnay sourced through the trading of organic grapes, is indulgent, wholesome and generous. Its freshness and digestibility make it an ideal choice for lovers of accessible and convivial wines.

Mâcon-Cruzille Aragonite: Produced from a 45-are plot of massale-selection Chardonnay (60 to 80 years old), this cuvée draws its typicity from a clay-limestone soil rich in aragonite crystals. Aged for 10 months on lees in demi-muids, it offers aromatic complexity, pronounced minerality and an ample, lingering finish, perfect to accompany refined cuisine.

Clos Fourneau: This single-plot Chardonnay, aged for 24 months, reveals a mellow and spherical volume, lifted by notes of red fruits. Its depth and length make it an exceptional wine, a must-discover for lovers of structured whites.

Pearl and Button: A bold maceration Chardonnay, with aromas of saffron and candied lemon. Its fine tannins and vibrant finish make it a characterful cuvée, ideal for the curious in search of atypical wines.

Mâcon Rouge Sélection Massale: Sourced from very old small-berry Gamay vines on limestone soils, this floral and fruity wine wins over with its freshness and finesse. Its quality-to-price ratio makes it an essential purchase for natural red wine enthusiasts.

Manganite: This Gamay cuvée, sourced from a plot planted in 1953 on a soil rich in manganese, is prized for its finesse and spiced notes. Aged in barrels, it offers a suave texture and vibrant fruit, perfect for gastronomy.

Cuvée Auguste: Produced from Pinot Fin planted in 1964, this red Bourgogne cuvée reveals saline notes and remarkable purity. Despite a slight volatility in certain vintages, it promises a fine ageing potential.

Les Crays: This red Bourgogne, sourced from Pinot Noir on chalky soils, combines freshness, balance and minerality. Its aromas of blood orange and velvety texture make it a suave and indulgent wine.

Cuvée 910: A unique blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this red cuvée with no added sulphites wins over with its ripe fruit, roundness and vivacity. A joyful wine, perfect for moments of sharing.

Morgon Les Charmes: This rich and fleshy wine, lightly aged in barrels, offers beautiful persistence and fruity intensity, doing full justice to the reputation of the great Morgons.

Chénas: This red wine with velvety texture displays a slight volatility, but its ageing potential makes it an interesting choice for lovers of living wines.

Clos des Vignes du Maynes is far more than a wine estate: it is an ode to nature, history and craftsmanship. For over a millennium, this clos in Cruzille has produced wines that capture the soul of the Mâconnais, elevated by the Guillot family's commitment to respectful viticulture and minimalist winemaking. The cuvées — whether the radiant whites such as Aragonite or the silky reds such as Manganite — offer a palette of authentic flavours, ideal for enthusiasts wishing to purchase exceptional natural wines. By choosing the wines of Clos des Vignes du Maynes, you are selecting bottles that tell a story, respect the land and celebrate sharing. Discover this unique range now and savour the essence of Burgundy at its finest!