Château de Marmorières, Winemaker of the La Clape Cru

Set in the heart of the La Clape Cru, between garrigue scrubland and the Mediterranean Sea, Château de Marmorières is an emblematic estate of the Languedoc, handed down from generation to generation within the de Woillemont family since 1826.

Available direct from the cellar on Avenue des Vins.

What philosophy guides the estate?

Borrowing the vines from one's children

More than a simple wine estate, it embodies a philosophy of respect for the terroir, carried by a family committed to preserving its vineyard for future generations.

"Our approach is rooted in the long term: we borrow the vines from our children, to leave them a healthy environment and to pass on our know-how,"

confides the winemaker. A strong commitment, reflected in a thoughtful approach to viticulture, a diversification of crops and meticulous work on matching each grape variety to its terroir.

Where does the story of Château de Marmorières come from?

Ten centuries of terroir and biodiversity

Château de Marmorières is one of the oldest estates in the La Clape Cru. As early as the 10th century, its lands were home to a first fortified castle, a testament to the strategic importance of the site. The chapel, the windmill and the dovecote built between the 11th and 13th centuries still bear witness today to the estate's rich history. Nearby, the Commanderie de Saint Pierre la Garrigue, another family property, is nestled at the foot of the steep cliffs of the protected La Clape massif, overlooking the sea. This exceptional site, farmed organically, stands out for its preserved natural environment, where olive trees, almond trees and umbrella pines grow alongside a rich fauna including peacocks, bee-eaters, hoopoes and European rollers.

"On your next visit, look out for the peacocks that have made the estate their home for centuries. You may be lucky enough to spot a hoopoe or a European roller, which come to nest here."

An invitation to wonder, one that clearly reflects the winemaker's attachment to the local biodiversity.

How would you describe the terroir and the wines?

120 hectares of clay-limestone soils

The Château de Marmorières vineyard covers 120 hectares, offering an exceptional diversity of terroirs. The clay-limestone soils, typical of La Clape, allow each grape variety to express its full potential.

"We have done a tremendous amount of work to match each grape variety to its ideal plot. The aim is to enhance what nature entrusts to us, without ever forcing things."

An approach that translates into balanced, elegant and complex wines, true reflections of their terroir.

The estate's reds, made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan, develop notes of red fruits, spices and garrigue, while the whites, made from Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, offer lovely freshness with aromas of white flowers and exotic fruits.

"The wines of the Commanderie de Saint Pierre la Garrigue are the ones I relate to most, because they are the synthesis of my journey and of what I look for in wines: complexity, elegance and freshness."

What sustainable practices do you put in place?

Observing the vines day after day

For several generations, the de Woillemont family has worked with respect for the soils and for nature, adopting sustainable practices to preserve the ecosystem.

"We observe our vineyard day after day and adapt our work according to the needs of the vines and the cycles of nature."

This approach rests on:

• Adding plant and animal composts to enrich the soils,
• Winter cover cropping with legumes and brassicas, preventing erosion and encouraging biodiversity,
• The use of mating disruption against pests, limiting the use of insecticides,
• Natural treatments based on sulphur, copper and essential oils, only when necessary.

Which memory has marked you the most?

A story of family and transmission

Château de Marmorières is, above all, a family story, where each generation brings its know-how and its passion for wine. The winemaker, deeply attached to his estate, sets himself a new challenge every year:

"To do better, or at least as well as the previous vintage."

One memory remains particularly striking:

"My marriage proposal in November 2011 on a plot of Grenache Noir, the emblematic grape variety of the Commanderie, with a 360° view! My head was spinning!"

A deep attachment to the land, where every vine, every plot, tells a story. To visit Château de Marmorières is to step into an authentic world, where history, nature and wine intertwine. Visitors can explore the vines, observe the local wildlife and taste exceptional cuvées, produced with care and passion.

"We try to pass on the estate's history through our wines, and we are always happy to share this heritage with our visitors."

An invitation to discovery and tasting, in one of the finest terroirs of the La Clape Cru!

Discover the cuvées of Château de Marmorières direct from the estate, along with our selection of La Clape Cru wines, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Château de Marmorières

Where is Château de Marmorières located?

The estate sits in the heart of the La Clape Cru, in the Languedoc, between garrigue scrubland and the Mediterranean Sea. Owned by the de Woillemont family since 1826, its vineyard covers 120 hectares of clay-limestone soils typical of La Clape.

Which grape varieties does the estate grow?

The reds are made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan; the whites from Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Balanced, elegant and complex wines, true reflections of their terroir.

Does Château de Marmorières practise sustainable viticulture?

Yes: a thoughtful approach, plant and animal composts, winter cover cropping, mating disruption against pests and natural treatments (sulphur, copper, essential oils) only when necessary. The Commanderie de Saint Pierre la Garrigue, another family property, is farmed organically.

Why buy Château de Marmorières wines on Avenue des Vins?

Through the short supply chain, the bottles are shipped directly from the estate: you enjoy the estate price, with no middleman, full vintage traceability, and you support a family of independent winemakers of the La Clape Cru.