Maury

3 km wide by 11 km long: in this picturesque corner of Roussillon, the wines of the Maury appellation are produced, including both white and red varieties. The white wines are made from several grape varieties: white and gray Grenache, Maccadeu, small-grained Muscat, and Muscat d’Alexandrie. The Maury Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is located in the Occitanie region, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. This small production area is known for its red and white wines. It takes its name from the soil in which its various grape varieties grow. Discovering the Maury Appellation The name “Maury” comes from the word Amarioles (or Amariolas), which means “black earth.” This refers to the black schist that makes up most of the appellation. The production area is 17 km long and 3 km wide. It is located north of the Catalan Corbières. The vineyards situated at the foot of the Corbières benefit from limestone soil. The appellation stretches from the Estagel plain to the outskirts of Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet in the west. It is also located 30 km from Perpignan. Spanning small hills nestled in a depression, it is surrounded to the north and south by limestone cliffs. This is where Queribus, the famous Cathar castle, is located. The earliest evidence of viticulture dates back to the Middle Ages in the area that is now home to the AOC. These were farms believed to have been occupied by the Knights Templar and the Order of the Knights of St. George. In the 13th century, this region produced great naturally sweet wines. As early as 1872, Maury was recognized as a terroir for naturally sweet wines. The estates: a closer look at the Maury appellation Maury wines are made from various grape varieties. The reds are primarily produced from Grenache Noir. Producers may also blend in White Grenache (B) and Gray Grenache (G), as well as Syrah (N), Carignan (N), and Macabeu (B). The white wines are made from White Grenache (B) and Gray Grenache (G), Macabeu (B), or Tourbat (B). Sometimes, these grape varieties are blended with White Petit Grain Muscat or White Muscat of Alexandria. The Res Fortes Wines estate will teach you a great deal about Maury wines. You’ll find it in the Agly Valley. There, you’ll learn about viticulture and organic farming techniques. The owners hope to transition to biodynamic farming soon. At Clos des Vins d’Amour, the Dornier family will introduce you to the production of dry and sweet Maury wines. You’ll discover how the grape varieties are transformed into wines that exude fruity notes with a surprisingly smooth roundness. And to savor the flavors of the wines you’ll taste, be sure to pick up some Maury wines to take home. You’ll find these wines at the wineries you visit. What You Need to Know About Maury Wines As they age, the appellation’s white wines take on an amber hue. The reds, meanwhile, vary in color. Some are ruby-red in their youth. Others display brick-red shades that evolve toward mahogany, and rare vintages have an orange tint with green highlights. Young Maury wines have intense aromas reminiscent of morello cherries, blackberries, and red berries. Some initially develop aromas of prunes and candied fruit. Later, they give off scents of dried fruit, spices, coffee, or even leather. After purchasing Maury wines, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you taste them. Shortly after bottling, these wines are full-bodied and warm. You’ll feel as if you’re biting into a piece of fruit. With some wines, you’ll notice complex flavors. Notes of ripe fruit and prunes blend with the taste of dried fruit, spices, or coffee. This is especially true of aged wines. On the palate, you’ll appreciate the richness of these wines. Their sweetness enhances their roundness and freshness. And their finish is surprisingly long. When it comes to food and wine pairings, the whites pair perfectly with Roquefort cheese or a tart with candied apricots. The reds are ideal for enjoying with grilled meats or fish.