Frederic Magnien
Summary
Fifth-generation Burgundian Frédéric Magnien operates a small-scale négociant business in Morey-Saint-Denis, producing approximately 40 different cuvées annually with a focus on Pinot Noir (90%) and Chardonnay (10%) sourced from prestigious terroirs throughout the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. His winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention through pioneering use of terracotta aging vessels, native yeast fermentations, and close collaboration with organic and biodynamic growers to translate each vineyard's distinctive character.
Heritage & Leadership
Frédéric Magnien represents the fifth generation of a winemaking family deeply rooted in Morey-Saint-Denis in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. Born in 1969, Frédéric joined his father Michel Magnien at the family domaine in 1993 after completing his viticultural studies and gaining international experience in California and Australia. In 1995, Frédéric established his eponymous négociant business, Frédéric Magnien, which operates separately from Domaine Michel Magnien, though the two entities share winemaking facilities in Morey-Saint-Denis. While continuing to work with his father at the family domaine, Frédéric's négociant operation allowed him to expand beyond the family holdings and work with fruit from prestigious appellations throughout the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. In 2008, Frédéric took full control of both businesses when his father retired, maintaining their distinct identities while applying his philosophy across both operations.
Vineyards & Wines
As a négociant, Frédéric Magnien does not own vineyards but instead sources grapes from carefully selected growers across Burgundy's most distinguished appellations. His long-standing relationships with growers in the Côte de Nuits allow him access to fruit from grand cru sites including Chambertin, Clos de la Roche, and Charmes-Chambertin, as well as premier cru vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, and Vosne-Romanée. In the Côte de Beaune, he works with growers in Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet for his white wines. Frédéric maintains strict control over viticulture practices through close collaboration with his growers, many of whom farm organically or biodynamically. His portfolio comprises approximately 40 different cuvées annually, with Pinot Noir representing 90% of production and Chardonnay accounting for the remaining 10%. Production volumes are deliberately small, with many cuvées limited to just a few barrels.
Philosophy & Practice
Frédéric Magnien has built his reputation on a winemaking approach that emphasizes transparency and terroir expression. Since 2010, he has pioneered the use of clay jars (amphora) for aging a significant portion of his wines, believing this neutral vessel better preserves the pure expression of each vineyard site compared to new oak barrels. His winemaking protocol includes careful hand sorting, partial or complete destemming depending on the vintage and vineyard, native yeast fermentations, and minimal sulfur additions. In 2015, Frédéric introduced Burgundy's first commercial wines aged in 160-liter terracotta jars from Tuscany, a practice he has since expanded. For wines still aged in oak, he sources his barrels exclusively from forests in Burgundy and central France, selecting specific coopers for different appellations. At the family domaine, Frédéric implemented biodynamic practices beginning in 2008, receiving Demeter certification in 2015. His meticulous approach extends to bottling, which is done according to the lunar calendar without fining or filtration for most cuvées.