Thunevin Calvet

History of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet

The story of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet begins with a coup de foudre. In 2000, Jean-Luc Thunevin, already famous for having revolutionised Saint-Émilion with his Château Valandraud in the 1990s, visited the Roussillon. The black schist terroirs of Maury captivated him: century-old Grenache vines on dark schistous marls, in a remote and unspoilt valley, far from the hustle of Bordeaux. He met Jean-Roger Calvet, a local oenologist rooted in Maury. The decision was made quickly: buy a few hectares and vinify together.

The first 2001 vintage is produced artisanally in a garage in the village of Maury. The ambition is immediately high: manual harvests with rigorous sorting, traditional winemaking, no fining or filtration, careful ageing. Quality is present from the very first vintages, and the estate develops progressively. In 2007, the acquisition of plots on the granite of Lesquerde brings a new dimension of freshness and minerality to the blends. In 2008, a modern and ecological cellar is built, enabling more precise vinifications and better-controlled ageing. Since the estate's creation, herbicides have been banned across the entire property. The range expands progressively, with cuvées bearing the names of Jean-Roger's and Jean-Luc's children (Constance, Hugo), or references to the local landscape (Les Dentelles, Arboussa, Asphodèle).

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet

The vineyard of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet extends over 65 hectares, spread across two contrasting and complementary terroirs. The historic heart of the estate is planted at Maury, in a remote valley of the Pyrénées-Orientales, on black schistous marls, a poor and well-drained soil that naturally concentrates aromas in the berries and confers a characteristic power and richness to the wines. The Grenache noir vines, some between 40 and over 100 years old, dominate this terroir. Since 2007, plots at Lesquerde have enriched the vineyard: this remarkable granite terroir, set at altitude, brings an alpine freshness and a distinctive minerality that balance the natural concentration of the Maury schists.

The red grape varieties are principally composed of Grenache noir (dominant), Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre, along with a few other varieties. For whites, Maccabeu (Macabeo), Grenache blanc, Grenache gris and Vermentino. For the Vins Doux Naturels (Maury Grenat and Tuilé), Grenache noir reigns supreme. Chemical herbicides have been banned since the estate's founding in 2001. Harvests are entirely manual, with a double selection: sorting in the vineyard at harvest, and a sorting table in the cellar.

Vinifications of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet is one of a tradition respectful of the terroir, with extractions adapted to each cuvée. Macerations are long for the great ageing cuvées (Les Dentelles, Divae, Les Trois Marie), shorter for the pleasure-driven cuvées. Ageing varies according to ambition: Cuvée Constance is aged 16 months in concrete tanks (no oak) to preserve fruit and freshness; Les Dentelles benefit from a barrel passage; Divae is aged 21 months in new barrels; Les Trois Marie expresses the purity of schist without excess wood. No fining or filtration across the entire range. Cuvée Asphodèle Blanc is aged partially in barrel and partially in tank. The Vins Doux Naturels (Maury Grenat and Tuilé) are produced according to the traditional methods of Maury: fortification with alcohol, ageing in glass demijohns and large oak vats for the Tuilé.

The cuvées of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet

Côtes du Roussillon Villages Cuvée Constance Rouge: The estate's emblematic and first flagship cuvée, dedicated to Constance, the daughter of Jean-Roger Calvet. A blend of Grenache noir and Carignan (50/50 on certain vintages) on the schists of Maury, with a touch of Syrah depending on the vintage. Aged 16 months in concrete tanks, no fining or filtration. "A generous terroir wine that wins over with its consistent quality and value for money." Aromas of well-ripened red and black fruits, mineral and spiced notes, rich substance, creamy texture, notes of dark chocolate and graphite, long and powerful finish. The estate's most accessible and most voluminous cuvée.

Le C de Constance Rouge (IGP Côtes Catalanes): The "little sister" version of Constance, in a more accessible and more immediate style, made from grapes from the same terroir but with shorter ageing. The estate's entry-level red cuvée, to discover the Thunevin-Calvet style at a very reasonable price.

Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Dentelles: "One of the estate's first cuvées and the big sister of Constance." A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan from vines of 40 to over 100 years old, on the schists of Maury. Differentiated from Constance by a passage in oak barrels, "which gives it power combined with freshness, with a dominant of red fruits and supple tannins." A fine ageing wine with aromas of cherry, black fruits, liquorice and light toasted notes.

Côtes du Roussillon Villages Hugo: A red cuvée dedicated to Hugo, the child of Jean-Roger or Jean-Luc depending on the sources. A careful blend of schist and granite terroirs, aged in barrels. A red wine of fine complexity and depth characteristic of the estate, with aromas of black fruits, spices and a beautiful tannic structure.

Côtes du Roussillon Villages Arboussa: A red cuvée from the estate's plots, whose name refers to the strawberry tree, a shrub typical of the Roussillon garrigue. An expressive and fruity red wine, with aromas of red fruits and spices, in an accessible and very drinkable style.

Côtes du Roussillon Villages Divae: The estate's great prestige cuvée, "rockstar wine" according to critic Jeb Dunnuck. Made from 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache from the finest plots. Aged 21 months in new barrels. "Possesses a Mouline-like perfume of spring flowers, candied blackberries, ground pepper and earth. Voluptuous and sexy sensation, beautiful depth mid-palate and an enormous finish. Will keep for 10 to 15 years." The most powerful and most oaked cuvée of the estate, for lovers of long-ageing Roussillon Syrah. 75 euros per bottle.

Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Trois Marie: A rare and confidential great red cuvée at 100 euros per bottle, "which expresses the terroir of Maury in all its purity with power and elegance. Tannins of great finesse and an endless finish. Rich and structured, it offers a deep personality with notes of raspberry, liquorice, toasted spices and black fruits." The most ambitious and most sought-after cuvée of the range.

Côtes du Roussillon Villages L'Amourette: A red cuvée for thirst and immediate pleasure, accessible and indulgent. "Sensational wine offering an intense nose of black cherry, violet, liquorice, garrigue and cocoa notes. Rich, full-bodied, ripe and sexy with smooth tannins." The estate's convivial cuvée, to drink within 3 to 5 years.

Le Casot (Côtes du Roussillon Villages): A red cuvée made from a blend of Grenache noir, Syrah and Carignan, "the fruit of a pure expression of the Maury terroir." In an intermediate style between Constance and Les Dentelles, accessible and well-structured.

Constance Blanc (IGP Côtes Catalanes): A white cuvée made from a blend of Maccabeu (40%), Grenache blanc (40%) and Vermentino (20%), on schist terroirs. Direct pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks, no fining or filtration. "Aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, mineral flavours and a sensation of freshness." The estate's accessible white cuvée, to drink young with seafood or tapas.

Asphodèle Blanc (Côtes du Roussillon or IGP): A prestigious white cuvée, "the new cuvée that has all the hallmarks of a great wine." Made from Grenache gris and/or blanc and Maccabeu on schist terroirs. Partially aged in barrel and partially in tank. "Beautiful golden colour, expressive and complex nose, a perfectly mastered and consistent palate." The estate's great white cuvée, for demanding gastronomic pairings. 36 euros per bottle.

Maury Grenat (AOP Maury): A red Vin Doux Naturel made from Grenache noir on the schists of Maury, fortified with alcohol according to the appellation's tradition. Deep garnet red colour, aromas of candied black fruits, violet and spices. Round and suave palate, balanced by the alcohol. The tradition of Maury in all its richness, to be enjoyed slightly chilled with chocolate desserts or blue cheeses.

Maury Tuilé (AOP Maury) and Vieux Maury: A red Vin Doux Naturel aged under oxidative conditions, developing a tiled colour and aromas of rancio, dried fruits, coffee and spices characteristic of the Maury "Tuilé" style. The estate also offers rare old vintages of Maury (1975, 1983, 1984, 1998) for collectors and lovers of aged Vins Doux Naturels.