Domaine Maxime Magnon - Métisse 2023
Maxime Magnon is one of the winemakers who has profoundly changed the perception of Corbières. Originally from Burgundy, trained under great figures such as Thierry Allemand and Philippe Valette, he settled in 2002 in the Hautes-Corbières with the desire to produce wines that are finer, more digestible, and more lively than the traditional image of the appellation. His estate extends around Villeneuve-les-Corbières and Durban-Corbières, on high-altitude terroirs marked by schist, clay, and limestone. The work in organic farming, complemented by a biodynamic approach, gives the wines a special energy and great purity of expression. Métisse 2023 holds a unique place in the range, as it is not a light or anecdotal rosé, but a true gastronomic rosé. This highly expressive cuvée shows all of Maxime Magnon's talent for producing Southern wines that are both deep, vibrant, and very refined. It is a rosé Corbières with character, rare in its style, capable of surprising lovers of great red wines as well as great whites.
The Métisse 2023 cuvée is based on a blend of 40% Grenache Noir, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, and 10% Syrah. Grenache brings flesh, fruit brightness, and a controlled sunny dimension, while Cinsault provides fluidity, delicacy, and a floral touch. Carignan reinforces tension, noble bitterness, and Mediterranean anchoring, while Syrah adds peppery nuances and discreet aromatic depth. The grapes come from old vines, often around 80 years old on average, rooted in schist and clay-limestone soils. The vinification favors a natural and delicate approach, with manual harvesting, whole clusters, indigenous yeasts, and gentle extraction. The style of Métisse is based on a deep color, rare aromatic intensity, and a mouthfeel much more structured than that of a classic rosé. In 2023, this cuvée asserts its status as a serious, tense, spicy, and deeply gastronomic rosé.
Domaine Maxime Magnon Métisse 2023 reveals a deep pink robe, almost radiant, announcing a wine with character. The nose opens on crushed strawberry, raspberry, kumquat, blood orange, and orange blossom, with nuances of fresh thyme, garrigue, pepper, and potpourri. The palate is lively, ample, and very expressive, supported by a biting acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the fruit. The texture has relief, energy, and true depth, without ever losing the freshness that is the signature of great table rosés. The finish extends the wine on notes of citrus, spices, flowers, and Mediterranean herbs, with remarkable tension. Métisse can be served cool but not ice-cold, around 10 to 12°C, in a fairly large glass to allow all its complexity to open up. It will ideally accompany veal with herbs, a delicate curry, spicy Mediterranean cuisine, grilled fish, confit vegetables, roasted poultry, or refined tapas.
Grape varieties: 40% Grenache Noir, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah
