Nicolas Carmarans - "Maximus" 2023 750 ML (11.5% ABV)
Nico ran a killer wine bar in Paris for years before he decided to focus on his vines of obscure local grape varietals full time in northern Aveyron. These are stunning wines, this one is 100% Fer Servadou
They are cool climate, lipsmacking soulful, vibrant red berry wines with shimmering minerality. You can find this one BTG at Le CouCou. Nicolas's philosophy is to make wines he wants to drink and so do we.
The Nicolas Carmarans Maximus is a fresh, vibrant red wine that sees 16 days of carbonic maceration using whole bunches to ensure the freshness and flavour that you expect from a wine made using this process.
lighter, fresher and more elegant than before. But flavour has not been sacrificed. This is in line with our tastings of this wine since Nicolas started producing it – it just keeps getting better and better.
Fer Servadou (also known as Mansois) This grape variety is local to the region around the Aveyron and then in an arc down to the area around the town of Gaillac which is just north of Toulouse.
This wine is aged in old barrels and bottled without the addition of any sulphites to retain the freshness. It can be drunk as an aperitif or matched to quite a wide range of foods.
from a single parcel of vines grown at a grape varietal conservatory in the commune of Marcillac-Vallon It's a massal selection of old vines, farmed organically, which Nicolas buys from his cousin. 450 meters up, granitic soil.
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.
Maximus, comes from granite, and the difference makes the case for the importance of terroir. Far lighter, brighter, full of its own idiosyncrasies.
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