Corbières rouge Campagnès 2022 Maxime Magnon | Languedoc

Campagnès from Maxime Magnon is an exclusive cuvée from a terroir of old Carignan vines, nestled in the hills above Villeneuve-les-Corbières, in the heart of the Languedoc region. Maxime Magnon, a Burgundy-born winemaker and disciple of Jean Foillard at Villié-Morgon, has profoundly renewed the vision of Corbières through his inspired approach to natural wine, without ever denying precision. Campagnès is his tribute to Carignan, a grape variety that is often mistreated, but here brought to a rare level of expressiveness. The vines, nearly 100 years old, are planted on north-facing schist soils, giving the wine freshness and verticality. The organic cultivation also follows biodynamic principles. In the cellar, the winemaking process is gentle: whole bunches, indigenous yeasts, slow infusion in wooden vats, followed by 18 months' ageing in old barrels. Every gesture is designed to reveal the sincerity of the grapes and the soil.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Campagnès de Maxime Magnon is for me the quintessence of Corbières Carignan. There's a rare density to this wine, without heaviness, a kind of earthy grace. This cuvée is one of the greatest interpretations of Languedoc I've ever tasted. A bottle to wait for or open today, so impressive is its controlled naturalness.

On the nose, the wine opens with aromas of jammy black fruits, dry garrigue and supple leather. Subtle notes of cocoa, incense and black pepper complete this complex, already evolved bouquet.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and enveloping, embracing the palate without hardness. Tannins are present but integrated, providing structure and relief. Black fruit flavors are enhanced by warm spices and a hint of smoke. The lingering finish reveals an unexpected mineral tension that perfectly balances the ripeness of the fruit. A wine for meditation, but also for great gastronomy. Campagnès once again confirms Maxime Magnon's singular place in the Corbières and Languedoc landscape.