Maury French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Maury is a Roussillon appellation famous for its naturally sweet fortified wines (vins doux naturels) made from Grenache, and more recently for powerful dry reds.
More info about Maury
Geographic position
Southern France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the Agly valley about 35 km northwest of Perpignan, between the Corbières hills and the Pyrenees, below the Cathar castle of Quéribus.
Origin & history
Vines were grown here in the Middle Ages, and the technique of "mutage" (stopping fermentation with grape spirit) was perfected in Roussillon by Arnaud de Villeneuve in the 13th century. Maury became an AOC for sweet wines in 1936; Maury Sec, for dry reds, was recognised in 2011.
Wines & grape varieties
Mainly Grenache Noir, with Grenache Gris and Blanc, Macabeu, Carignan and Syrah. Styles include Grenat (young, red-fruited), Tuilé and Hors d'Âge (long-aged, with notes of cocoa, coffee, dried fig and walnut).
Climate & soil
Hot, dry Mediterranean climate swept by the Tramontane wind. Black schist soils (unique in the region) give power and depth.
Wine region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape varieties: Carignan, Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Syrah