Domaine Michel Magnien

Certified biodynamic in 2015 Domaine Michel Magnien (18ha) is run by forward thinking 5th generation winemaker Frédéric Magnien. This conversion has released a greater expression of terroir in the wines. In 2015 Frédéric ceased using new French oak barrels, replacing them with 160 litre terracotta amphora. In our tasting we tasted barrel versus amphorae, it was obvious to see that the amphorae brings a freshness and life to the wines that the oak cannot provide. All of the wines we have brought in are aged in amphorae. The style of Frédéric’s wines seeks freshness and fragrance. Many of his vineyards are at higher altitudes, naturally producing cooler climate expressions. Monts Luisants is planted at 350m, high for the rolling hills of Burgundy.

Burgundy

FRANCE

The biodynamic Domain

Biodynamic method, excellence and natural precision to respect Burgundy terroirs.

After years of application, Domaine Michel Magnien is certified in biodynamic by Demeter. At each stage, our work follows the rhythm of the synodic cycle of the moon. We are fully committed to organic agricultural principles in our management of vines and wines.
Thanks to Michel Magnien’s special care for his vines over the years, the wines are unique and faithful to the best terroirs in Burgundy. Our Estate is now managed by Frédéric, the fifth generation, who strives to raise our wines at the highest level of quality.

Viticulture

Biological and biodynamic viticulture is often – and erroneously – confused. They have in common to use no chemical input. However, if the biological viticulture maintains the life in a natural way in the ground; the biodynamic method stimulates it and revivifies soils. Beyond a natural work without pesticides or insecticides, the biodynamic culture is a global approach which works on the valuation of the ground and the vine in its natural environment. The biodynamy strengthens the vitality and the resistance of plants, by improving the natural exchanges between the ground and the roots on one hand, and between the sky and the plant on the other hand. This method expresses itself by two characteristics: the use of specific preparations in the vine and the consideration of moon phases. The biodynamic method aims at revitalizing and at intensifying the organic life in the environment where the vine lives. This process has the effect of giving more life to the grounds on which take root and increase vines to reveal the expression of the Burgundy soils in their just translation. The biodynamie so allows a better connection between the plant and the ground. This exchange offers quality grapes and as will be the wine. The cosmic phase of the biodynamic viticulture allows the plant to strengthen and to energize itself thanks to the natural powers rather than to work it against its nature. The Moon, a strong influence on liquids in particular on sap of vines, brings rhythm each step of Frédéric Magnien’s in the diapason of its cycles. The rare quality of Frédéric Magnien’s wines lives in the respect of the cosmic elements, the meticulous observation of plants and the listening of the soil. Each bottle translates with loyalty the purity of appellations, the passion of the vine, and the influence of the natural elements thanks to the biodynamic principles.

Winemaking

Quite naturally, Frederic was led to find a logical follow-up to this philosophy in his method of winemaking. The hand-turned terracotta jar, aromatically neutral, was chosen for the partial ageing of wines from the exceptional vintage 2015. The jar allows Frédéric to raise a more digestible organic wine that respects the purity of the fruit and the truth of its soil. Uncovering crystalline and original wines, this ageing in jars is complementary to the traditional ageing in old barrels. From now on, the wine-ageing, shared between wood and terracotta, allows to refine the identity of its precious cuvées.