DOMAINE MAJAS

A CHANGING WORLD

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, its the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

We import and support great wine-makers from around the world who are challenging traditional conventions in order to make not only better wine – but a better world. Most of our wine-makers do it out of love and passion for what they believe in. They do not do it to attract followers or comrades in arms. But, sometimes – when you do what you love with passion – you can blaze a trail that others will follow.

The story of Domaine Majas is one of those stories. And it starts with Domaine Gauby. Gérard Gauby was one of the first vignerons in the South of France to prove that great terroir wines could be made in an area many believed was only good for making bulk wine for supermarkets. His success is well documented.

A few years ago he offered an internship to a young South African wine-maker Tom Lubbe – who ended up marrying his daughter and – in 2002 they started their own estate Domaine Matassa, which is having similar success in making great terroir-driven wines from indigenous grapes and old-vines in the Cotes de Catalans.

The chain of change continues a few years later when a young man who worked for Tom mentioned that he had some friends in the area who were thinking about converting to organics. After visiting the property and tasting the wines Tom decided to assist in the conversion of the estate to organics: Domaine Majas.

Change.

In the most unlikely place of all: Languedoc-Rousillon.

ONE ESTATE AT A TIME.

NOW THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN SUPPORT.

But, the story gets even better. Alain Carrére, the owner of Domaine Majas had in the first few years of his estate, entered into an exclusive contract with a French Supermarket chain that agreed to buy his entire production. The supermarket took control, standards were set, and he needed to produce wines that tasted exactly like the supermarket’s formulas. For instance, the Rose needed to taste like candy – so he had a commercial yeast for that . . . etc. etc. etc. But, even with the Supermarket buying the whole production he was losing money every year and his financial situation was getting worse and worse. That was when his friend introduced him to Tom Lubbe.

Tom’s formula was simple: No yeasts, no manipulations, no excessive sulphur. The result is amazing value organic wines tom old-vines made from traditional Catalan grapes.

WARNING:

Risk of heart palpitations, feelings of euphoria and bliss, and a wallet (or purse) full of money. You’ve never had a deal this good. Think Gauby or Matassa for $25 a bottle. Elegant 13% acid and terroir-driven wines from the South of France. Buy these values at your own risk!