When I think of the Languedoc region in France where I visited a few months ago, my first thoughts are of abundant sunshine, hospitable people, stunning landscapes and wines as unique and fresh as anything I’ve sipped. But there’s another element to the Languedoc that is just as pervasive: a conscientious commitment to the environment on the part of winemakers and winegrowers.
Just recently, I received four wines (as samples) from Château Maris and once I learned more about the owners’ mission, it was obvious that this estate, on many levels, was yet another example of a compelling place to explore in Languedoc. Why? For starters, Chateau Maris is the first European vineyard to obtain B Corporation certification, a label recognized by the UN and European Commission. The certification indicates that Château Maris is transforming “their business into a virtuous force for good: good for workers, good for communities and good for the environment.” At the Château, the goal is to “produce quality wines by adopting practices that respect not only nature, but also the men and women with whom we work.”
Photo Credit: Vignobles d’Occitanie
Château Maris
Born in England, Robert Eden is the passionate founder of Château Maris and a huge proponent of the Languedoc region. Specifically, he fell in love with natural, untamed La Livinière (meaning “place planted with vines”) located between Toulouse and Montpellier, in the Minervois area after having spent years traveling through wine regions around the world and learning from a plethora of oenologists.
Upon purchasing the property, Eden discovered that the soils “were dead after years of chemical saturation.” He began the laborious project of converting the vineyards to biodynamic farming in 1997. In every aspect of production, he “prioritized the natural environment” and Château Maris was the first vineyard in La Livinière to be certified biodynamic (by Ecocert in 2002, by Biodyvin in 2004 and by Demeter in 2008). For more about Robert Eden’s efforts in biodynamics, sustainability and organic viticulture, click here.
Photo Credit: Chateau Maris
Four Organic Wines from Château Maris
Because of the accomplishments of Robert Eden and the team, soils help produce more expressive grapes and ultimately, the wines exude depth, balance and complexity. Further, he has transferred his holistic farming philosophy to other areas of Languedoc where organically farmed varieties for the Maris label are found.
Medium bodied Château Maris La Touge 2018 is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan grown on an estate vineyard of clay, limestone and sandstone soil in La Livinière. Adhering to the Chateau’s philosophy of minimal intervention, the wine was vinified in concrete and aged for 16 months in eggs and concrete tanks. Notes of earth, dark red berries and purple fruit were intense on the nose. On the palate, more intense ripe fruit, pepper, garrigue, raspberries, plums and hints of smoke were pervasive. Framed with integrated tannins and bright acidity, the finish lingered. Complemented by a classic French beef stew, this wine was exceptional.
Pure Syrah from some of the Château’s oldest vines in La Livinière is Château Maris Les Amandiers 2016. Cultivated on soils of clay and limestone, production is limited with only 300 cases available per year. The wine was fermented in wooden tanks then aged for 16 months in new French barrels, Radoux Blend. Powerful aromas of dark fruit, blackberries, anise, stone, and earth burst from the glass. On the textured, complex palate, lovely acidity and firm tannins supported notes of black currants, cherries and spice.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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