Domaine Milan, making impressive natural wines in Provence
Website: https://domaine-milan.com/
On Saturday morning I popped into Dynamic Vines in Bermondsey where Natalie Milan was pouring a selection of the Domaine Milan wines. Until recently, the Domaine was referred to as Henri Milan, but now Henri’s son Théophile and Natalie (his wife) run things. Henri set the direction, taking over from his dad who established the domaine and switching to organics and a natural approach in the cellar.
They are in the foothills of the Alpilles in Provence, and as a result have some different soil types. The whites are made from vineyards with predominantluy blue clay soils, while the reds are from those that are limestone and sand.
Reds are fermented in concrete tanks, are whole bunch, and have a short maceration.
Henri Milan Brut Nature Blanc 2023 Provence, France
This is a blend of Macabeo and Grenache Gris, made with no added sulfites. Lively aromatics, so pure and lemony. Lovely precision here with great acidity and lovely delicate citrus fruit. 92/100
Théophile Milan Haru Blanc 2024
Chenin Blanc, Savagnin, Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne. Lovely texture. Salty and fine with apple and white peach. Such precision and purity. A touch of waxiness. 94 /100
Théophile Milan Haru Rosé 2024
Grenache, Syrah and a bit of Cinsault. Cherry, pear and plum. Richly textured with some baked apple and spice on the finish. Lovely. 93/100
Théophile Milan Luna & Gaia 2022
Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, with three weeks on skins. Lovely structure here with a salty edge to the mandarin, orange peel and spice. Grippy and lively. Very fine. 93/100
Théophile Milan Milan Rebels 2023
This red is a blend of Merlot, Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. Fresh and vivid with lovely intensity, brisk and alert with a chalky edge to the focused berry fruits. Such energy with a salty finish. 94/100
Henri Milan Clos Milan 2021
Grenache and Syrah from sandy limestone soils. Neutral oak one year. Spicy, savoury and intense on the nose. Lovely, wild, savoury and intense on the palate with vivid blackberry fruits. Fresh and spicy on the finish. 92/100
Henri Milan La Carrée 2021
Roussanne. 500 litre oak for a year. Juicy and vibrant with lovely citrus fruit as well as some apple and spice. Lovely focus and balance. 94/100
