DOMAINE NICOLAS MAILLET

We are thrilled to be working with the exquisite wines of Domaine Nicolas Maillet and the passionate family that makes them. This fourth-generation, 8 hectare domaine is situated in the commune of Verze; a cool terroir, being a corridor of well-ventilated opposing east and south-west facing slopes, with deep limestone and chalk soils. It is recognised as producing some of the tensest, freshest and most minerally wines in the Maconnais. From 1928 to 1998, their grapes were sold to the local cooperative, which dominates production. However, since 1999, Nicolas has bottled everything at the property. The domaine was certified as organic in 2008 and since 2013 they have largely employed biodynamic practices. Their vines are surrounded by those of Domaine Leflaive, which similarly recognised the great terroir of Verze, now own some 30 hectares in the commune and also farm biodynamically. Within seconds of first meeting Nicolas, we were whisked away from the melodic tones of Metallica which filled the cellars, to study his vines and it is here that his heart, mind and soul clearly lie.

They work their soils vigorously to ensure healthy, microbiological activity and hand-harvest in small containers to preserve the integrity of the grapes. Only selection massale, from their oldest vines is used when replanting. All their wines are vinified in tank – with entirely indigenous, natural yeasts – to preserve the purity, freshness and character of the terroir. They are only racked if it is absolutely necessary and use minimal doses of SO2.

The Macon Verze is from 50 year old vines and shows pure, tense, fresh aromas and flavours of stone fruits, white flowers and saline minerality. The Macon Verze “Le Chemin Blanc” comes from vines planted in 1928 and 1936 and offers even greater depth, intensity and concentration of salty, mineral-laden peach and acacia flowers.

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