Clos des Vignes du MAYNES

Today the Clos des Vignes du Mayne is managed by Julien Guillot. The vineyard lies in Cruzille, a small village in the Mâconnais winegrowing region. Over time the “Clos” has changed hands and has been run by a succession of renowned owners including the monks of Cluny Abbey who were the very first of them all. Hence the name “Vigne du Mayne”, the word “mayne” being derived from “moines” ie monks. This Clos was registered by the monks as early as 910. Peter- Julien’s grand-father- purchased the vineyard in 1954 and is thought to be a pioneer in the field of additive-free natural wines ! The 7-hectare clos -set in beautiful surroundings-comprises 3 parcels planted with 3 indigenous grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Gamay and Chardonnay (30% each). This terroir- who would doubt the monks knew what they were doing-has unique geographical features which imparts great complexity and minerality to the wines. For centuries the vines have been sprayed with no chemicals whatsoever. The Clos des Vignes du Maynes is both a domain and a terroir steeped in history. In 1998, Julien Guillot took over this huge heritage with passion, a great deal of conviction and precision. 

[span size="6"]He carried on the old traditions but also introduced biodynamic methods. Julien is so kwowledgeable about each of his parcels that he could spends hours giving you all sorts of interesting details on them… this is what you would call real passion…Over time the wines grown in Clos des Vignes du Maynes gain in width, finesse and complexity. This is true in particular for cuvee Aragonite (white wine), Manganite (red) and Auguste (Pinot Noir). For those who can’t wait there is a range of fresher wines like white Mâcon Cruzille or red Cuvee 910 based – a blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay- to be drunk early. Finally Julien also set up a wine merchant business that also produces emotional wines. The Mâcon-Villages is a perfect example of that and fully deserves to be on the wine list.