Deep ruby color; plum, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, citrus note, peppery spice, oak, smoke, violets on the nose and palate.
Dry; medium, juicy tannins and acidity; nice balance. Medium body. Blend of 60% syrah, 35% grenache, 5% carignan. Ripe fruits gives this illusion of sweetness, especially on initial attack. Nice complexity and tasty layers. Smooth, pleasing mouthfeel. Vinified in vats with punch-downs and pump over during four weeks of maceration. Aged 16 months in concrete eggs and vats. 14.5% ABV
Chateau Maris is a progressive operation in France’s Languedoc region. It was the first European vineyard/winery to earn B Corporation certification. B Corporation certification promotes companies that transform their business into a virtuous force for good: good for workers, good for communities and good for the environment. The winery received Ecocert certification in 2002, Biodyvin in 2004 and Demeter in 2008.
The chateau covers some 111 acres divided into many plots on the hillside above La Livinière. La Livinière (meaning “the place planted with vines”), is located in the heart of the Minervois between Toulouse and Montpellier. Château Maris was the first vineyard in the AOC Minervois La Livinière to be fully certified biodynamic.
The winery is justifiably proud of its direction. The website notes: “Our winery is a truly singular place. We produce our wines with indigenous yeast, in custom-made wooden, thick concrete or egg-shaped vats to avoid using electrically conductive materials. A classic stamp of Château Maris’ identity is our ovoid vats. This shape, adapted from Roman dolia, naturally encourages the flow of energy and convection currents. Our preserved wines are light ‘brewed’ by the natural resuspension of the fine lees.”
Owner Robert Eden fell under the spell of La Livinière and moved to Château Maris in 1997. He implemented an organic and biodynamic approach from the outset. A committed winegrower and world-renowned specialist in biodynamics, he promotes the benefits of this practice throughout the Languedoc.
Kevin Parker is the co-owner of Château Maris and places an emphasis on the winery proactively responding to climate change. The website notes Parker: “guarantees the longevity of the Château’s philosophy. Now Managing Partner of SICM (Sustainable Insight Capital Management) in New York and previously a member of Deutsche Bank’s board of directors, he argues that the science of climate change is irrefutable.”
Château Maris Minervois La Livinière La Touge 2019 is tasty, fruit-forward effort with some complexity for a wine at this price point. Smooth deliciousness is principle asset. Approachable with genial tannins and acidity without being flabby or nondescript. Vegan and vegetarian certified. Pair with beef dishes—grilled steak, barbecue beef; veal; lamb; pork—roast pig, pork tenderloin; pasta dishes; wild game—venison, boar; comfort food—meatloaf, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, burgers. Versatile. Can be enjoyed on its own with light snacks, charcuterie. Cheese—parmigiano reggiano, aged gouda, hard, aged cheddar, harvarti, swiss. $17-21
