Maxime Magnon, Corbières Rouge "La Démarrante" 2023

That Maxime Magnon is part of one of the most revolutionary wine movements in France should give him a justifiable swagger to his step, yet he is nonetheless a reluctant hero. This Burgundian was not born with hereditary rights to a domaine but makes his own wine in the Corbières A.O.C. instead. He purchased some prime parcels of old vines from abandoned plots and rents his cellar. He farms over eleven hectares, with steep vineyards that reach high altitudes, and manages it all on his own. 

Maxime is part of the new wave of passionate viticulturists who cultivate their vines with the utmost respect for nature and the soil. Most of Maxime’s vineyard land consists of schist and limestone subsoils in the sub-appellation Hautes Corbières, bordering Fitou to the South. This is incredibly tough terrain to farm in, as there is virtually no topsoil, just pure rock and garrigue.

With 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, and 20% Syrah, “La Démarrante” is terrific young and deliciously quaffable. Red and black currants, black raspberry, warm strawberries, earth, and violets. Very pretty expression of a Languedoc red. No heaviness, nor is there a sense of overripe fruit. Almost Burgundian which makes sense when you know that Maxime hails from Burgundy and studied under Jean Foillard in Beaujolais. The wine is bright and crunchy with evolving complexities.

Pairing: Charcuterie and tapas like Prosciutto, goat cheese, and pâtés, or a wood fired Margherita pizza.