Chateau Maris

Chateau Maris

Minervois Cru La Liviniere

Robert Eden, a bio-dynamic wine maker, and Kevin Parker, CEO of Green Partners who has financed Chateau Maris for the last fifteen years with the aim of supporting the estate in becoming one of the Languedoc’s finest whilst respecting the environment to the highest standards have built the world’s first hemp cellar. As Kevin explains:

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Individuals all over the world have to understand the dangers and opportunities of climate change and the need to move to a low-carbon based economy. Once they do, governments will have to act and large investment companies will have to respond by focusing on the problem too.

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When the vineyard was purchased in Languedoc, the initial yields were lower than expected. The soil was dead, due to the previous farmer’s overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, so we looked at ways of rejuvenating it, using compost. Bio-dynamic preparations were added to one organic compost pile and another was left alone. After a while the bio-dynamic pile container far more living organisms so the decision was then made

It was a business decision since the vines are now healthier and grow longer – and the quality of grapes is better. The entire estate is certified by both Demeter and Biodyvin. The fertilizer is compost made from local cow and sheep manure plus some horse manure. Yields are 32 Hl/Ha on average and the entire estate is hand harvested. Chateau Maris is now a 79 acres Biodynamic and Organic Estate (certified by Demeter since 2008, Biodyvins since 2004, Ecocert since 2002 and NOP) divided into a multitude of small vineyards on the hillside above the village of La Liviniere, the first Cru Classe of the Minervois, in the Languedoc region.

 

 

In the cellar, the wine is made using only natural yeasts found in the vineyard and bottled un-fined, un-filtered. The oxidation is limited as much as possible by keeping the wines with CO2 at constantly low temperature. The wine is racked the least amount of times and are all aged at the very least 12 months in oak barrels. The end product is a “never corrected”,un-acidified, un-chaptalized wine. All the tanks, cone shaped wooden ones or large wide natural concrete or egg shaped concrete ones, were all specifically designed and sized for Chateau Maris by tank maker Nomblot. All Maris wines are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Consequently, when you purchase any of our wines, you are really getting great tasting wines that are produced and brought to you with minimal environmental impact, at the best price possible in the most ethical way possible.

Better for the Earth, Better for the Wine, Better for You.