Maxime Magnon

The history of Domaine Maxime Magnon  

Originally from Burgundy, Maxime Magnon gained experience alongside leading figures in natural winegrowing, including Thierry Allemand, Philippe Valette and Anselme Selosse. In 2002, he decided to settle in Villeneuve les Corbières, in the southern part of the Corbières appellation, in the Vallée du Paradis. Drawn to its rugged landscapes and abandoned old vines, he established himself on a 14-hectare estate that he patiently developed over the years. Inspired by Beaujolais methods, he adapted whole-bunch winemaking techniques and favored an organic and biodynamic approach perfectly suited to this exceptional terroir.

With the help of his neighbor and mentor Didier Barral, Maxime Magnon introduced environmentally responsible farming practices, such as using cows and sheep to control weeds naturally in the vineyards during winter. These methods, combined with a passionate, meticulous approach, have helped the estate become one of the most respected in the Corbières AOC. Today, Maxime Magnon is known for elegant, easy-drinking wines with rare aromatic precision, and has become a leading figure in artisanal winemaking.

The terroirs and vineyards of Domaine Maxime Magnon  

Domaine Maxime Magnon spans 19 hectares, mostly in the communes of Villeneuve les Corbières, Durban and Cascastel, in the heart of the Hautes Corbières. Its terroir features a distinctive mix of schist and clay-limestone soils, with a Mediterranean climate ideal for growing characteristic varieties such as Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Macabeu.

The vines, aged 50 to 100 years, are tended by hand or with a tracked vineyard vehicle, a gentler alternative to tractors that helps protect the soils and limit compaction. During winter, sheep and cows graze among the vines, encouraging biodiversity and naturally enriching the soils with organic matter. This practice also reduces the need for intensive tilling, which can cause erosion and runoff.

Maxime Magnon is committed to cultivating a living vineyard, completely avoiding chemical products and using only organic and biodynamic preparations. These practices help reveal the distinctive character of each plot, yielding wines that fully express their terroir of origin.

Winemaking at Domaine Maxime Magnon  

In the winery, Maxime Magnon follows a simple philosophy: let nature take its course with minimal intervention. After hand-harvesting into small crates, whole bunches ferment at low temperatures with the native yeasts naturally present on the grapes. Inspired by Beaujolais winemaking, this method, which includes semi-carbonic maceration, preserves freshness, fruit and aromatic purity.

The reds are made without fining or filtration, while the whites are lightly filtered to preserve their brilliance. In both cases, sulfur is added only in minute amounts to ensure the wine’s stability without compromising its natural character. Aging takes place mainly in oak barrels, often from Burgundy, or in concrete tanks, maintaining a balance of fruit, structure and aromatic complexity.

The cuvées of Domaine Maxime Magnon  

La Bégou - White

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

Winemaking: direct pressing, low-temperature fermentation and ten months of aging on the lees in large oak casks, without fining or filtration, and with a tiny dose of sulfur.

Rozeta - Red

Rozeta is one of the estate’s signature cuvées, a generous, intense wine that captures the essence of the Hautes-Corbières terroir. A blend of 35% Carignan, 35% Grenache Noir and 30% Cinsault, this red delights with aromas of vibrant red fruit, spices and garrigue. Structured on the palate, it retains great freshness and is remarkably easy to drink.

Winemaking: natural whole-bunch fermentation, gentle low-temperature maceration and twelve months of aging in concrete tanks and large oak casks, without fining or filtration.

Campagnès - Red

Campagnès is a pure Carignan from century-old vines planted in schist and clay-limestone soils. This wine impresses with its density, depth and velvety texture. Exuberant aromas of red and black fruit mingle with spicy and floral notes, while finely defined tannins bring rare elegance. It is an exceptional wine for cellaring, capable of developing beautifully over time.

Winemaking: hand-harvesting, natural whole-bunch fermentation and one year of aging in oak barrels, with no added sulfur or filtration.

Métisse - Rosé

Métisse is a one-of-a-kind rosé made from a bold blend. Deep in color, it offers intense red-fruit aromas with subtle hints of spice. Its dense, juicy palate and remarkable freshness make it an exceptional rosé, among the most harmonious and balanced of the year.

Winemaking: whole-bunch maceration, low-temperature fermentation and aging in tanks, without filtration or fining, with a very small addition of sulfur.

L’Estrade - White

L’Estrade is a recent cuvée from four hectares of vineyards in the commune of Peyriac de Mer, near the Mediterranean coast. This white wine blends 50% Grenache and 50% Macabeu, offering a fresh, precise aromatic profile with notes of green apple, pear and subtle minerality. Full and lively on the palate, it has a persistent finish that builds in intensity.

Winemaking: natural fermentation at low temperatures and aging in tanks and large oak casks, without fining or filtration, with a tiny dose of sulfur.

Cuvée Rose - Red

Produced in very small quantities, this rare cuvée is a family tribute created for Maxime Magnon’s daughter. Made from 100% Cinsault, it reveals a delicate, spicy wine with a firm structure and appealing power.

Winemaking: whole-bunch maceration, natural fermentation and aging in used barrels, with no added sulfur or filtration.

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

Domaine Maxime Magnon embodies the essence of artisanal, environmentally responsible winegrowing. Through his commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, natural winemaking methods and meticulous cellar work, Maxime Magnon produces wines of exceptional quality: easy-drinking, elegant and deeply rooted in their terroir. Each bottle reflects the story and passion of a winemaker who has helped redefine the Corbières appellation. Whether you enjoy great whites or powerful, refined reds, Maxime Magnon’s wines will win you over with their authenticity and distinctive character.