Maxime Magnon

History of the Maxime Magnon estate  

Originally from Burgundy, Maxime Magnon forged his experience with great figures of natural viticulture such as Thierry Allemand, Philippe Valette and Anselme Selosse. It was in 2002 that he decided to settle in Villeneuve les Corbières, in the south of the Corbières appellation, in the Vallée du Paradis. Charmed by these rugged landscapes and these old abandoned vines, he settled on a 14-hectare estate that he patiently shaped over the years. Inspired by Beaujolais methods, he adapted whole bunch vinification techniques and favored an organic and biodynamic approach that integrates perfectly with this exceptional terroir.

With the help of his neighbor and mentor Didier Barral, Maxime Magnon introduced environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, such as using cows and sheep to naturally weed the parcels during winter. These methods, combined with a passionate and meticulous vision, have enabled the estate to rise to the rank of the most respected vineyards of the Corbières AOC. Today, Maxime Magnon is recognized for his digestible, elegant wines with rare aromatic precision, becoming an emblematic figure of artisanal viticulture.

Terroirs and Vineyards of the Maxime Magnon estate  

The Maxime Magnon estate spans 19 hectares, primarily located in the communes of Villeneuve les Corbières, Durban and Cascastel, in the heart of the Hautes Corbières. The terroir is a unique blend of schistous and clay-limestone soils, benefiting from an ideal Mediterranean climate for cultivating typical grape varieties such as Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Macabeu.

The vines, aged between 50 and 100 years, are worked by hand or with a tracked vehicle, a respectful alternative to the use of tractors, to preserve the soils and limit their compaction. During the winter period, sheep and cows graze in the vineyards, promoting biodiversity and naturally enriching the soils with organic matter. This practice also reduces intensive plowing which can cause erosion and runoff.

Maxime Magnon is committed to cultivating a living vineyard, completely banning chemical products and using only organic and biodynamic preparations. These practices help reveal the singularity of each parcel, producing wines that fully express their terroir of origin.

Vinifications of the Maxime Magnon estate  

In the cellar, Maxime Magnon perpetuates a simple philosophy: letting nature operate with minimal intervention. After manual harvests in small crates, whole grapes ferment at low temperature thanks to indigenous yeasts naturally present on the berries. This vinification method inspired by Beaujolais, including semi-carbonic macerations, preserves the freshness, fruit and purity of the aromas.

The reds are vinified without fining or filtration, while the whites undergo light filtration to preserve their brilliance. In both cases, the addition of sulfur is reduced to a homeopathic dose to guarantee the wine's stability without altering its natural quality. Aging takes place mainly in oak barrels, often from Burgundy, or in concrete vats, to maintain a perfect balance between fruit, structure and aromatic complexity.

The cuvées of the Maxime Magnon estate  

La Bégou - White

La Bégou is an exceptional cuvée that expresses all the richness and complexity of white grape varieties from the Hautes-Corbières. It is made from a blend of Grenache Gris (50%), Grenache Blanc (40%) and Carignan Gris (10%), from old vines aged between 60 and 80 years. This wine reveals subtle aromas of white fruits and flowers, complemented by beautiful salinity on the palate. Powerful and balanced, it impresses with its tension and depth.

Vinification: direct pressing, fermentation at low temperature, aging on lees in foudres for ten months, without fining or filtration, and a micro-dose of sulfur.

Rozeta - Red

Rozeta is an emblematic cuvée of the estate, a gourmet and intense wine that captures the essence of the Hautes-Corbières terroir. A blend of 35% Carignan, 35% Grenache Noir and 30% Cinsault, this red seduces with its aromas of bright red fruits, spices and garrigue. The palate is structured, but retains great freshness and remarkable drinkability.

Vinification: natural fermentation in whole bunches, gentle maceration at low temperature, aging in concrete vats and foudres for twelve months, without fining or filtration.

Campagnès - Red

Campagnès is a pure Carignan from century-old vines planted on schistous and clay-limestone soils. This wine impresses with its density, depth and velvety texture. The explosive aromas of red and black fruits blend with spicy and floral notes, while the chiseled tannins bring rare elegance. This is an exceptional aging wine, capable of evolving magnificently over time.

Vinification: manual harvests, natural fermentation in whole bunches, aging in oak barrels for one year, without added sulfur or filtration.

Métisse - Rosé

Métisse is a unique rosé, made from a bold blend. This wine displays a deep robe and intense aromas of red fruits, accompanied by subtle spicy touches. Its dense and juicy palate, combined with remarkable freshness, makes it an exceptional rosé, among the most precise and balanced of the year.

Vinification: maceration of whole bunches, fermentation at low temperature, aging in tanks, without filtration or fining, with a very low addition of sulfur.

L'Estrade - White

L'Estrade is a recent cuvée, born from the exploitation of 4 hectares located in the commune of Peyriac de Mer, close to the Mediterranean coast. This white wine combines 50% Grenache and 50% Macabeu, offering a fresh and precise aromatic profile, with notes of green apple, pear and subtle minerality. The palate is ample and tonic, with a persistent finish that gains in power.

Vinification: natural fermentation at low temperature, aging in tanks and foudres, without fining or filtration, with a micro-dose of sulfur.

Cuvée Rose - Red

This confidential cuvée, produced in very small quantities, is a family tribute, designed for Maxime Magnon's daughter. Composed of 100% Cinsault, this cuvée reveals a delicate and spicy wine, with a solid structure and beautiful power.

Vinification: maceration in whole bunches, natural fermentation, aging in barrels of several wines, without added sulfur or filtration.

Discover other estates from Languedoc Roussillon such as Gauby, Clos des Fées, Clos Marie, Grange des Pères, Mas Jullien, Montcalmès, Peyre Rose, Roc des Anges.

The Maxime Magnon estate embodies the very essence of artisanal and environmentally-friendly viticulture. Through its commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, natural vinification methods and meticulous cellar work, Maxime Magnon produces wines of exceptional quality, both digestible, elegant and deeply rooted in their terroir. Each bottle reflects the history and passion of a winemaker who has successfully redefined the Corbières appellation. Whether you are a lover of great whites or powerful and refined reds, Maxime Magnon's wines will seduce you with their authenticity and unique character.