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"Organic farming saved the vines. It saved us." These words from Alain Carrère capture the essence of what Domaine de Majas is today. His family has been making wine here since the 19th century, yet it was their encounter with Tom Lubbe of Matassa that brought about the turning point: away from the supermarket trade, towards wines with a true sense of origin.
30 hectares in Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes, at the foot of the Pyrenees – the only wine-growing area in Roussillon classified as "mountainous". Carignan vines up to 120 years old, alongside Grenache, Macabeu and Chardonnay on schist and volcanic rock. Wines with low alcohol, full of minerality, and yet remarkably accessible.
More about Majas
From bankruptcy to liberation
Die Geschichte des Domaine de Majas klingt wie ein Weinwunder. Alain Carrère erbte die Weinberge seines Vaters – uralte Carignan-Stöcke, gepflanzt lange vor der Reblauskatastrophe. Doch in den 1990ern diktierte der Markt andere Regeln: standardisierte Weine für Supermärkte, Preise so niedrig, dass die Familie kurz vor dem Ruin stand. „Ich sah keinen Ausweg”, erinnert sich Alain. Dann traf er Tom Lubbe.
The South African, brother-in-law of Gérard Gauby and himself head of the legendary Domaine Matassa, immediately recognised the potential. In 2007, they began the changeover together: All 30 hectares on organic farming, no commercial yeasts, no additives, minimal sulphur. Tom became a counsellor, friend and mentor.
The highest vineyard in Roussillon
Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes liegt dort, wo die Pyrenäen beginnen – das einzige als „bergig” klassifizierte Terroir der gesamten Region. Die höchste Parzelle, Col de Ségas at 420 metres, delivers a cuvée from ancient vines, which are known as Col de Segas Vieille Vigne is filled. The substrate alternates between Slate, volcanic rock and limestone - Each plot has its own microclimate.
The grape varieties tell of history and pragmatism: Carignan dominates, with some vines over 120 years old. They are joined by Grenache, the rare white Macabeu, Chardonnay, Chenin and Rolle. What was considered a constraint in the 90s - Bordeaux grape varieties for the supermarket - is now part of a complex range.
Minimalism as a manifesto
Im Keller verordnete Tom Lubbe den Carrères „gepflegten Minimalismus”. Vergoren wird in Betontanks, ohne Schnickschnack. Das Ergebnis: Weine mit low alcohol with surprising aromatic density. The Majas Rouge and Majas Blanc epitomise this style at a fair price. If you like it wilder, go for the Majas OrangeFourteen months of maceration for intense flavour and full mouthfeel.
Agnès and Alain
Alain, tall and tanned, was born in Caudiès and has his roots here. Agnès comes from Paris - she brought an outside perspective. They have been running the winery together since 1992 and together they dared to make a new start. Today, their wines epitomise what Roussillon can be at its best: dry, mineral, original - and welcoming with open arms.