Domaine Maujard Weinsberg

History of the Estate

How was your Estate founded? Who founded it? What motivated you?

François Maujard - I founded the Estate in 2016, by piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of various plots from three different wine producers, to constitute a 7.4 acre-Estate. I also bought a building in Marange-Silvange to house the winery, and the necessary equipment to produce wine. We built it all up from nothing, the vineyards were the only things that were already established. In 2021, I planted my first vines.
Friends and family helped me and this year, Audrey joined me. She has become a very involved partner over the past year.

What training do you have?

FM - I initially got a degree in economy then went on to do a vocational diploma in viticulture-oenology in Beaune, Burgundy. I originally come from Moselle and decided to come back again to become a wine producer, which I did as soon as I got the first opportunity. My desire to make wine dates back to 2008.

Wine tourism services

What wine tourism services do you provide on the Estate?

FM - We systematically offer wine tastings, and like selling wine to customers once they have tasted it. I prefer working out what everyone likes and getting a clear “yes” to something. 
One thing I find important is that all the reds and whites are the same price. In my opinion, all my wines have different personalities, but are equally as good. It is not about the price, but rather what you appreciate or prefer. I really want the tasting session to be objective so that each person choses the wine they truly prefer not based its price tag!

Projects

What future plans do you have for your Estate? 

FM - With all the climate problems we are currently facing, we are venturing into unknown territory. Everything depends on the harvest, and we are waiting to see what the new plants will yield.

Current situation

What is your Estate’s surface area and geographic situation?

FM - We have 10 acres and soon 12 with the new vines.
I do individual plot vinification and single grape varieties. The vines are situated in Jussy, Vaux, Lessy, Rozérieulles and Plappeville. They face east and south/east.

Our main varieties are pinot noir, pinot gris and auxerrois.

Could you tell us about your production? What sort of products do you sell on the Estate? How much do you produce, how many bottles?

FM - We aim to produce 12,000 bottles a year. We will aim for 20,000 thanks to the new vines, on our 12.3 acres.
We currently produce 16 vintages on our 10 acres, 12 of which are PDO wines. Everything is locally sourced and organic.

How would you describe the three wines you have selected? 

FM - All three wines are from 2020, they come from three different villages and are very representative of the Estate.
The first one is “Vallis” (Vaux in Latin). It is made from 100% pinot gris from an east-facing plot in Aux-Rebaux, located in Vaux on the edge of Ars-sur-Moselle. It is a complicated plot to work but it produces good wine. It is also the Estate’s largest vintage. I think it is a pleasing, supple, rich, fruity, and elegant white wine that is equally good for serving with meals and pre-dinner drinks. It is a good all-rounder that suits everybody.

The second one is “Pappoli Villa” (Plappeville) which is made from auxerrois. This is the Estate’s most elegant wine with complex aromas, notes of honey, as well as a soft and warm texture. This is a gastronomic wine, matured in new barrels, which is ideal for food and wine pairing.
The third is “Lacey” (Lessy), which is the Estate’s most balanced pinot noir, with a beautiful structure, a palatable and harmonious combination of texture and body. It has a beautiful, silky roundness and an intense robe.