Why it matters
The producer
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot run through Domaine du Grand Mayne's rosé and red wines. Coline Sicard is the current chief winemaker. The named range includes Grand Mayne Rosé, Grand Mayne Merlot Cabernet and Grand Mayne L'Alter-égo. Since 2018, a community of over 900 shareholders has owned the estate through Seedrs crowdfunding.
Andrew Gordon sold the company in 2007. After it relaunched under ownership based in the UK in 2013, he returned as a director in 2015 to oversee modernization. The winemaking role later changed hands: Mathieu Crosnier moved to Château Rieussec in Sauternes, and Coline Sicard filled the chief winemaker position.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The Côtes de Duras appellation appears on Grand Mayne Rosé, Grand Mayne L'Alter-égo and Grand Mayne Merlot Cabernet, covering one rosé and two reds. An appellation is a geographic name on a wine label. Here, the name keeps the range tied to one place in southwest France while the grape compositions change from bottle to bottle.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Grand Mayne Rosé grapes are harvested at night to preserve freshness, then undergo direct pressing. Direct pressing sends the harvested grapes straight to the press, producing the pale eglantine colour described for the wine. The 2019 Grand Mayne Merlot Cabernet is aged for 18 months in stainless steel.
Wines to know
The range in view
Grand Mayne Rosé is the range's rosé, while Grand Mayne L'Alter-égo and Grand Mayne Merlot Cabernet are red wines. The 2021 Rosé combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon making up 10% of the blend. The 2018 Merlot Cabernet uses 60% Merlot and 40% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Grand Mayne Rosé has a pale eglantine robe and a discreetly floral nose that opens toward currants and raspberries. It is fresh on attack, more generous through the middle, and tonic at the finish. Grand Mayne Merlot Cabernet brings fresh ripe fruit aromas, a soft and juicy palate, long lasting flavour and a smooth, velvety texture.