Saint-Chinian Maghani Canet-Valette (Domaine) 1999

The Canet Valette domain, in Saint-Chinian, was created by Marc Valette in 1992. The vineyards cover 20 hectares of southern-facing limestone-clay terroir. They have been organically certified since 1999, with long, methodical élevages (three years in the case of its Maghani cuvée). The domain produces authentic, attractive wines for keeping, with a distinctive character. Valette farms the family domain in accordance with long-standing Languedoc tradition.

Maghani, the self-proclaimed "holiday" wine, combines power and precision but has also kept the key characteristics of its appellation. It needs six to eight years to reach its full potential and finesse. Its blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes are cultivated on limestone and clay terrain. Once the fruit has been de-stemmed, it is transferred to vats for between 70 and 90 days and punched down several times. The wine is matured for 36 months, with 24 months in barriques for 50% of the wine.