Maxime Magnon’s wines are love letters to the rugged, rocky, high-elevation slopes of Corbières, a tiny village in an obscure corner of the Languedoc. He has an enviable collection of old vines on limestone and schist, from which he makes profoundly elegant, deeply soulful wines that speak clearly of their terroir. They are the definition of deliciousness and an utter joy to drink.

It’s no surprise that Maxime’s wines are as good as they are. He trained with two of the most impactful growers of the early natural wine scene: Beaujolaise icon Jean Foillard and Faugères' pioneering biodynamic grower Didier Barral. His wines clearly show the influence of both of his mentors: He takes the dark, earthy, spicy flavors of Southern France and filters them through a juicy, silky, and easy-drinking lens that Foillard fans will immediately recognize.

Maxime works naturally in the vineyard. No pesticides or herbicides are used and grazing sheep keep cover crops under control (and provide a little extra fertilization). Harvest is done by hand, and the wines ferment naturally in concrete vats before aging in a combination of concrete vats and neutral barrels. Sulfur is only used at bottling and the wines are never fined or filtered.

Today we have two of Magnon’s flagship wines to share.

From the cool 2021 vintage, Le Démarrante is a blend of 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 20% Syrah from 50+ years old vines vinified with 100% whole clusters. Bursting with crunchy, spicy, sun-kissed fruit and cooling acidity, this is the perfect early Spring red. It’s unbeatable served with a slight chill.

Maxime also produces tiny amounts of richly textured, mineral-driven whites that really start to sing with a couple of years of age. We’re thrilled to have secured a tiny parcel of 2017 Corbières Blanc "La Bégou", which is absolutely on fire right now. It’s a blend of 50% Grenache Gris, 35% Grenache Blanc and 15% Carignan Gris vinified in stainless steel and aged in neutral barrels on the full lees. At 8 years old, the wine is reaching its peak, with plenty of honeyed yellow and white fruits balanced by electric acidity and a firm, cooling mineral core. This one is not to be missed.

For long-time fans of this estate, this is a great chance to stock up. If you’re new to this essential grower, don’t miss your chance to find out why Maxime Magnon has been a Flatiron favorite for all these years!

Maxime Magnon, Corbières Rouge “Le Démarrante”, 2021 $35.99

Maxime Magnon, Corbiéres Blanc “La Bégou”, 2017 $52.99