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THE MAURY WINEGROWERS: FOCUS ON A FESTIVE APPELLATION

Discover the Maury Appellation: History of Les Vignerons de Maury

Les Vignerons de Maury: One of the Oldest Wineries in the AOC

Located northwest of Perpignan, the Maury appellation vineyard spans 1150 hectares across four communes: Maury, Saint-Paul de Fenouillet, Rasiguères, and Tautavel. Its uniqueness lies in its production of natural sweet wines (VDN), which are wines that have brandy added during fermentation (the process of converting grape juice sugars into alcohol).

Founded in 1910, the cooperative winery Les Vignerons de Maury witnessed the birth of this wine region. "The building was constructed in 1905. At that time, the activity was quite thriving. Three wineries were built in the village of Maury. Les Vignerons de Maury represents the merger of these three cooperative wineries, which took place in 1974. In total, we represent 865 hectares of the appellation's vineyards," explains Isabelle Marquie, president of the cooperative winery.

Dry Reds in AOC Maury Since 2011

Officially recognized as an appellation since 1936, Maury has an annual production of 7000 hectoliters and offers four different types of wines: Maury rancio, Maury white wines, Maury Tuilés, and Maury "hors d’âge" or "oxidative" wines. Since 2011, the appellation has also produced dry red wines. "The Maury crus defense syndicate initiated this. There is a growing enthusiasm for these new wines, which has led to the arrival of new winemakers from other regions, as well as foreign producers who wished to buy vineyards in the Maury appellation," notes Isabelle Marquie.

Grenache Noir: The King Grape of AOC Maury

Protected by the Corbières chain and the foothills of the Pyrenees, the Maury vineyard benefits from a very sunny Mediterranean climate throughout the year, allowing winemakers to harvest grapes at excellent maturity. A very strict specification governs the Maury appellation, with precise harvest dates determined based on the different vineyard plots. The Maury terroir is distinguished by the omnipresence of Grenache Noir, which predominantly expresses itself on a soil composed of black schist. Macabeu and Grenache Gris remain the most commonly used varieties for natural sweet white wines, representing 10% of the appellation's wine production.

Maury Wines: Festive Products… But Not Only

The richness of Maury wines makes it one of the quintessential festive appellations. Indeed, each of its wines is ideal for pairing with a full holiday meal. Maury whites, with their aromas of candied citrus and white flowers, pair perfectly with foie gras, while dry Maury reds—characterized by their ripe red fruit aromas and pronounced tannins—complement robust meats such as game (deer stew, wild boar, venison) or blue cheeses. Don't forget Maury Rancio and dry Maury reds, whose robust structure and rich aromatic profile are ideal for pairing with chocolate desserts (Christmas log, pastries).

However, it would be reductive to consider the Maury appellation only in terms of year-end festivities. The Syndicate of Defenders of the Maury Cru does not view it this way and organizes two oenotouristic events each spring, in which Les Vignerons de Maury participates annually: "Journée Maury et Chocolat," featuring 4 food/wine pairing workshops led by winemakers and chocolatiers, and "Les Amoriolles," a 6 km gourmet walk through the vineyards with 6 tasting stops where wine and refined dishes are paired…

Find all the wines from Les Vignerons de Maury on Avenue des Vins