Maxime Magnon

History of the Maxime Magnon estate  

Originally from Burgundy, Maxime Magnon honed his experience alongside great figures of natural winemaking such as Thierry Allemand, Philippe Valette and Anselme Selosse. It was in2002 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 abandoned old vines, he established himself on a 14-hectare estate that he has patiently shaped over the years. Inspired by the methods of Beaujolais, he adapted whole-cluster vinification techniques and favoured a biological and biodynamic approach that integrates perfectly with this exceptional terroir.

With the help of his neighbour and mentor Didier Barral, Maxime Magnon introduced environmentally respectful farming practices, such as using cows and sheep to naturally weed the plots during winter. These methods, combined with a passionate and meticulous vision, have allowed the domaine de to rise to the ranks of the most respected vineyards in the AOC Corbières. Today, Maxime Magnon is recognised for his digestible, elegant wines of rare aromatic precision, having become an emblematic figure of artisanal winemaking.

Terroirs and vines 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 schist and clay-limestone soils, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate ideal for growing 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 tractors — to preserve the soils and limit 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 ploughing, which can cause erosion and runoff.

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

Winemaking at the Maxime Magnon estate  

In the cellar, Maxime Magnon upholds a simple philosophy: letting nature work with minimal intervention. After manual harvesting in small crates, whole clusters ferment at low temperature thanks to indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grapes. This winemaking method inspired by Beaujolais, including semi-carbonic macerations, preserves freshness, fruit and aromatic purity.

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

The cuvées of the Maxime Magnon estate  

La Bégou - Blanc

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

Vinification: direct pressing, low-temperature fermentation, ageing on lees in large oak casks for ten months, without fining or filtration, and a micro-dose of sulphur.

Rozeta - Rouge

Rozeta is an emblematic cuvée of the estate, a rich 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 vibrant red fruits, spices and garrigue. The palate is structured, yet retains great freshness and remarkable drinkability.

Vinification: natural fermentation with whole clusters, gentle maceration at low temperature, ageing in concrete tanks and large oak casks for twelve months, without fining or filtration.

Campagnès - Rouge

Campagnès is a pure Carignan from century-old vines planted on schist and clay-limestone soils. This wine impresses with its density, depth and velvety texture. Explosive aromas of red and black fruits mingle with spiced and floral notes, while the chiselled tannins bring a rare elegance. It is an exceptional wine for ageing, capable of evolving magnificently over time.

Vinification: manual harvesting, natural fermentation with whole clusters, ageing in oak barrels for one year, with no added sulphur or filtration.

Métisse - Rosé

Métisse is a rosé unique of its kind, crafted from a bold blend. This wine displays a deep colour and intense aromas of red fruits, accompanied by subtle spiced 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: whole cluster maceration, low-temperature fermentation, ageing in tanks, without filtration or fining, with a very small addition of sulphur.

L'Estrade - Blanc

L'Estrade is a recent cuvée, born from the cultivation 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 a subtle minerality. The palate is ample and lively, with a persistent finish that grows in intensity.

Vinification: natural fermentation at low temperature, ageing in tanks and large oak casks, without fining or filtration, with a micro-dose of sulphur.

Cuvée Rose - Rouge

This confidential cuvée, produced in very small quantities, is a family tribute, conceived for Maxime Magnon's daughter. Made from 100% Cinsault, this cuvée reveals a delicate and spiced wine, endowed with a solid structure and fine power.

Vinification: whole cluster maceration, natural fermentation, ageing in multi-vintage barrels, with no added sulphur 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 respectful winemaking. Through its commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, natural winemaking methods and meticulous cellar work, Maxime Magnon produces wines of exceptional quality — at once digestible, elegant and deeply rooted in their terroir. Each bottle reflects the history and passion of a winemaker who has redefined the Corbières appellation. Whether you are a lover of great whites or powerful, refined reds, the wines of Maxime Magnon will win you over with their authenticity and unique character.