Nicolas Carmarans ‘MAXIMUS’ Rouge 2022

Location: France, Sud-Ouest, Aveyron

Winemaker: Nicolas Carmarans

Grapes: Fer Servadou

Soil: Fer from a single parcel of vines grown at a grape varietal conservatory in the commune of Marcillac-Vallon, planted in clay-limestone soils. It's a massal selection of old vines, farmed organically, which Nicolas buys from his cousin. 450 meters up, granitic soil.

Winemaking: Organic, Biodynamic. Hand picked. Indigenous yeast fermentation. One week maceration with whole bunches, gentle pressing, blending of free-run and press juices, and elevage in old barrique. Not fined nor filtered.

From the Importer Steven Graf Wine: For a long time, Nicolas ran a natural wine bar in Paris. From 2002 to 2007 he dabbled in winemaking in the same appellation where his great-grandfather made wine. Then, after purchasing his prized "Le Mauvais Temps" site, he was all in. He's worked tirelessly to restore the natural terroir of this beautiful site, surrounded by forests and all the biodiversity responsible for the unique character of his unique wines. Never any chemicals or pesticide, minimal sulphur, and truly authentic.

There are some bottles we wait for all year, and there's no better example than a wine like Fer de Sang, iron from blood, a completely peerless wine. These are grapes from a vineyard in Marcillac that Nicolas has been working with for years. It's a vineyard of clay (hence the iron) that makes for the most powerful and expressive wine in Carmaran's lineup. Its’ counterpart, Maximus, comes from granite, and the difference makes the case for the importance of terroir. Far lighter, sharper, full of its own idiosyncrasies. Another white wine as well, Entre les Eaux, a blend of Nicolas's Chenin and Aligoté from Burgundy.