Mondeuse "La Brova" Louis Magnin 2017

Domaine Louis Magnin, Arbin 

Louis Magnin is the third generation of the domaine of some 8-hectares spread between Arbin and Montmélian. Organic since 2009, he also started working biodynamically in certain vineyard parcels from 2007 after he attended a conference in Switzerland with friend Michel Grisard.

When in Savoie, the search for the best Mondeuse will lead to the village of Arbin, the home of this most intriguing grape (more on its origins below). In Arbin, Louis Magnin is a true specialist of this variety and  55% of his Domaine is devoted to Mondeuse, all planted within the confines of Arbin in the sector known as the “Combe de Savoie”. A further 30% of the vineyards are dedicated to the Roussanne grape, known locally as “Bergeron”, all of which are situated in the neighbouring village of Montmélian, equally renowned for its affinity to the Bergeron variety. The remaining 15% of the holdings are Altesse and Gamay.

Louis and his wife, Béatrice, as mentioned, practice organic viticulture with some biodynamic principles. The vineyards largely face south-southeast and are planted on steeply-sloping hillside sites on clay and limestone mix with an overlay of scree. Almost all vineyard work must be done by hand.

The resulting wines have an impressive fullness and energy but most of all have great ageing potential and deserve to be drunk after a few years in the cellar.

Mondeuse La Brova is from a small parcel of old vines on ancient clays. The grapes are harvested by hand and completely destemmed before being put into vats. After a long maceration of 30 days, the wine is placed in used barrels for a period of 36 months.

A classic Mondeuse, the nose is pointed with a refreshing cherry fruit. It is open on the palate, and there is a slightly bitter stone-fruit note and a lively, fresh acidity. Juicy and satisfying, this is a wine of substantial structure. There is an earthiness by way of tobacco and dried herbs, and a subtle kick of white pepper, chocolate, and darker fruits of plum, blackberry, and black raspberry reminiscent of the notes you get in a Northern Rhône Syrah.

Grape: 100% Mondeuse

Organic