vignoble bourgogne

Journey to the heart of Domaine Michel Magnien

At the heart of the Côte de Nuits, THE Domaine Michel MagnienIn Morey-Saint-Denis, the estate embodies the quintessence of a resolutely modern Burgundian style: biodynamic farming, expression of the terroir, and the elegance of Pinot Noir. Let yourself be seduced by an immersive visit to this estate. domaine A family-oriented environment where tradition and innovation interact harmoniously.

History of domaine

Family origins and rise to power

THE domaine takes root around 1897, when Victor Magnien, Taking up the family legacy of restaurateurs, he began to assemble plots of land in Morey-Saint-Denis, thus consolidating the 4th generation of Magnien winemakers.
Between 1967 and 1991his son Michel significantly expands the estate by acquiring prestigious vineyards along the Côte de Nuits.
Until 1993the grape harvest was entrusted to the local cooperative — the year when Frédéric, representing the 5th generation, joins the team and initiates bottling at the property.

Key figures

Today, the domaine extends over 18 to 19 hectares spread across 23 appellationscovering Grands Crus, Premiers Crus, Villages and regional AOCs.
The annual production is measured and of very high quality, with a consistent winemaking philosophy at every stage.

Conversion to biodynamics

The transition to the biodynamics begins around 2010, with Demeter certification in 2015 then acquisition of the label Biodyvin in 2019.
Among the Magnien family, this practice is not limited to a norm: it is a true philosophyrespecting lunar rhythms and aiming to strengthen the vitality of the soil so that each wine faithfully expresses its native terroir.

Vineyard of domaine

Geographical location & appellations

Located in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, in Morey-Saint-Denis, the domaine cultivates plots in iconic Grands Crus such as Clos of the Rock, ClosSaint-Denis, Charmes-Chambertin, as well as Premier Cru wines Chambolle-Musigny (The Paths), Gevrey-Chambertin, and Morey‑Saint‑Denis Villages.

Terroirs & age of the vines

Clay-limestone soils, often stony, offer excellent drainage capacity and promote the refined expression of the Pinot NoirSome vines date back to the 19th century, offering a unique aromatic richness thanks to deep root systems.
The average age of the vines is around 50 years, enhancing the complexity of the fruit and the structure of the wines.

Biodynamics in the vineyard

THE domaine is conducted exclusively biodynamicWith meticulous handwork, techniques respectful of lunar cycles, and without synthetic herbicides or pesticides, the goal is a living balance of the soil and a pure expression of the terroir.

Winemaking and aging at domaine

Harvest & Fermentation

The harvest is entirely manual, with sorting in the vineyard and at the winery. The choice between punching down or pumping over depends on the climat and the style of each vintage. Partial destemming is observed depending on the vintage to control bitterness and refine the tannin balance.

Winemaking style and stylistic evolution

Under Frédéric's guidance from 2012 to 2015, the style evolved towards aromatic elegance, abandoning the systematic use of new oak. Winemaking became gentler, focusing on finesse rather than raw extraction.

Raising livestock & choosing containers

From the 2015 vintage onwards, up to 40% of the livestock farming takes place in terracotta jars (amphorae)promoting natural micro-oxygenation, without the addition of external tannins, and preserving the fruity expression of the wine.
The rest of the aging process takes place in oak barrels. used, to minimize the woody influence and preserve the aromatic purity.

Highlighting la cuvée : Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2017

Technical Specifications

  • Assembly 100% Pinot Noir

  • Estimated alcohol content : ≃ 13.5% vol

  • Livestock farming approximately 18 months, 40% of which is spent in terracotta jars

  • Limited production : approximately 1300 bottles originating from a plot of approximately 14 ares

  • Guarding potential : between 2024 and 2030, with a peak expected until 2035

Tasting

  • Dress : deep, intense, and inviting purple

  • Nose Fresh cherry, strawberry, fine spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), ripe black fruits, delicate floral notes

  • Mouth Elegant and delicate, with silky flaxen tannins and a long, lingering finish – a great success according to Le Figaro Vin

Food and temperature pairings

  • Recommended serving temperature: 14–16 °C

  • Pairs perfectly with spiced duckling, beef tournedos, duck breast, and game.

THE Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2017 of Domaine Michel Magnien perfectly symbolizes the balance between power and elegance, aromatic intensity and tannic finesse, in an expression deeply rooted in the Burgundy terroir. This wine, the result of a complete conversion to biodynamic farming, embodies the modern and respectful vision carried by Frédéric Magnien.

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