Les Vignes du Maynes — A benchmark for natural wine in Burgundy

Located in Cruzille, in the heart of the Mâconnais, Les Vignes du Maynes is a family-run estate led by Julien Guillot since the late 1990s. Covering approximately 7 hectares, the domaine has become a reference for natural wines in Burgundy, thanks to certified organic farming, biodynamic-inspired practices, and a low-intervention approach in both vineyard and cellar.

Established on a historic vineyard site with documented viticulture dating back to the 9th century, the estate was revived in the mid-20th century by the Guillot family. Today, Julien Guillot continues a philosophy centered on respect for living soils and the expression of the limestone terroirs of the Mâconnais, producing wines that are precise, vibrant, and deeply rooted in their origin.

Philosophy & Winemaking

The estate has been farmed under certified organic practices since the late 1990s, with methods inspired by biodynamics. No herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic inputs are used, and yields are deliberately kept low to preserve the natural balance of the vine and the vitality of the soils.

Harvesting is entirely manual. Vinifications rely on indigenous yeasts, with no oenological corrections and minimal temperature control. Aging takes place in old barrels, large casks, or neutral vessels, with very limited or no sulfur additions depending on the cuvée. Fining is avoided and filtration kept to a minimum.

Terroir of Cruzille

The vineyards are located around Cruzille at elevations ranging from 250 to 400 meters, on predominantly clay-limestone soils. Geological diversity and varied exposures contribute to the complexity and mineral tension of the wines.

Many parcels are planted with old vines, some between 70 and 100 years old, worked entirely by hand. Altitude, limestone-rich soils, and vine age contribute to wines that are fresh, structured, and faithful to their terroir.

Wine Style

Wines from Les Vignes du Maynes are known for their precision and transparency. They clearly express the terroir of the Mâconnais, combining natural freshness, balanced ripeness, and a tactile texture. Alcohol levels remain moderate, and finishes are often long and mineral-driven.

Gamay, the estate’s central grape variety, is crafted in a refined and transparent style, sometimes compared to the elegance of fine Pinot Noir rather than the riper profiles often associated with Beaujolais.

Key Cuvées

• Mâcon-Cruzille Aragonite — Precise, mineral-driven Gamay from limestone terroirs.
• Mâcon-Cruzille Manganite — A deeper, more structured expression of Gamay.
• Mâcon-Cruzille Calcite — Taut, saline Chardonnay shaped by limestone soils.
• Les Crays — Old-vine Chardonnay with breadth and complexity.
• Les Charmes — Delicate Pinot Noir focused on finesse and transparency.
• Aligoté — Limited production from old vines, vibrant and structured.

A Reference Estate in the Mâconnais

Les Vignes du Maynes is widely regarded as a leading estate of the Mâconnais and a benchmark for natural wine in Burgundy. Through its respect for living systems and its precise, terroir-driven style, it remains highly sought after by sommeliers and wine enthusiasts looking for authentic expressions of Burgundy.