Bruno Lafon (from Domaine des Comtes Lafon) came to the Languedoc in 1999, leaving his native Burgundy behind, in search of new, promising terroirs. He was able to acquire the best vineyards from an existing large traditional domain, and the new Domaine Magellan was born.

The ABC Wine Team visited Domaine Magellan for the first time just last month. Our walk through the domaine’s vineyards, confirmed the high expectations. We were looking at one of the best terroirs of the Languedoc appellation.

The pictures of the stony vineyards and old vines Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan speak for themselves. The rocky soil drains easily avoiding water stagnation, which naturally helps fight vine pests and diseases but stores just the right amount of moisture in the soil to avoide vine dryness.

Most importantly, Domaine Magellan is certified organic; no pesticides, herbicides, nitrates or any agents of chemical nature are ever used on its vineyards. 

Four wines from the domain are available at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits:

Le Fruit Défendu Vin de Pays d’Oc red and rosé are made mainly from a plot of 65 year old vines Cinsault. Medium bodied, balanced, exhibiting pure fruit and a clean long finish, they are a giveaway, priced at only $9.99.

The Domaine Magellan Languedoc red is a blend of predominantly Grenache and Syrah and small percentage of Carignan; the Languedoc red is the largest production of the domaine and is best value at $11.99.

The flagship wine is the Domaine Magellan Languedoc Pezenas red, made from very old vines of Syrah (50%) and Grenache (50%). This dark colored, full-bodied, concentrated red is offered at only $17.99.

Atanas Nechkov, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwineatanas