MARAWINE Discovery box

Food pairings by the winemaker

• Aperitif
• Cheese - goat cheese
• Cheese - mild and soft
• Dessert
• Fish - lean
• Party drink
• Shellfish - flavored
• Shellfish - natural
• Veal
• Vegetables

Vinification, winemaker's own words

Soil:

Clay, Gravel, Limestone

Terroir:

Nestled in the heart of the Montpeyroux appellation in the South of France, between the wild scrubland of the garrigue and the Mediterranean Sea, MARA WINE is not merely an estate. It is a living legacy. Situated at the foothills of the Larzac massif, with a due-south orientation, the ancient farmstead of Clos Le Brusq overlooks a rare treasure: a spring resurgence, first revered by the Romans, that irrigates the vines and infuses our wines with a distinct, powerful personality.

Harvest:

Picked by hand

Fermentation:

Old oak (100%)

Storage:

Old oak (100%) 12 months

My quest carried me even to the distant shores of Canada, amongst the First Nations, where I learned the art of attentive listening. There, I encountered the remarkable Lecher antenna, an instrument enabling communion with the vine, discerning its needs without imposition. Since 2013, the estate has drawn solely upon its natural biotope: no external inputs, save the minimal sulphites essential. My guiding principle is one of profound simplicity. The soil imparts fragrance, the vine yields the grape, and my role is merely to accompany with humility. The white wines are vinified in barrels and stirred upon their lees for an extended period, bestowing exceptional volume and roundness.

Food pairings by the winemaker

• Aperitif
• Asian
• Beef
• Cheese - mature and hard
• Lamb
• Mushrooms
• Party drink
• Pork
• Vegetables

Vinification, winemaker's own words

Soil:

Clay, Gravel, Limestone

Terroir:

Firmly anchored in the mountainous reliefs of Larzac and gently refreshed by the marine influences of the Mediterranean, this wine is crafted from a blend of old Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah vines. It is thoughtfully conceived here at Brusq, in the hinterland of Montpellier. The vineyard benefits from the influence of the garrigue and a warm, windy climate, ideal for the long maturation of the red varieties from Larzac. Handcrafted using unique winemaking techniques passed down through three centuries of dedicated cultivation, it blends creative inspiration with rigorous oenological standards. From this segment of time was born the Mouton Larzac, whose vintages average only 250 cases per year. The 2023 vintage is part of the collection of fine vintages from Mara Wine. The year was characterised by extreme climatic events: low rainfall in spring and a heatwave in July. The exceptional summer and Indian summer allowed for remarkable ripening, resulting in a dazzling wine.

Harvest:

Picked by hand

Fermentation:

Steel (100%)

Storage:

Old oak (80%) 16 months, New oak (20%) 16 months

The fundamental principles of winemaking at Mouton Larzac are based on the fresh maturation of the grapes, pure plot-specific vinification, indigenous yeasts (selected on the estate), gentle extraction, prolonged maceration, manual pump-overs, and a single rack-and-return during the four weeks of fermentation. The malolactic fermentation takes place in vats, followed by barrel ageing. The Mouton Larzac 2023 is matured in two-wine oak barrels for 16 months.

Food pairings by the winemaker

• Aperitif
• Fish - lean
• Party drink
• Shellfish - natural
• Spicy food

Vinification, winemaker's own words

Soil:

Clay, Gravel, Limestone

Terroir:

This wine is sourced from a plot cultivated with respect for the terroir and biodiversity. The chosen blend results from the marriage of old Mourvèdre with the unexpected Carignan, which brings a 'Punky' aromatic complexity. The terroir of Mara Wine derives its uniqueness from its geological genesis. Shaped by clay-limestone soil that was once covered by the sea, it emerged during the Hercynian uplift that gave birth to the Larzac. The interaction between two geological origins, both volcanic and limestone, along with the hilly relief, creates a complex network of underground water circulation, favouring an exceptional natural water supply for the vineyard and the emergence of several sources of pure water. Its altitude of 128 metres, combined with its southern exposure, contributes to the production of a perfectly balanced rosé wine with great aromatic freshness.

Harvest:

Picked by hand

Fermentation:

Steel (100%)

Storage:

Steel (100%) 8 months

The key principles of winemaking at Mara Wine revolve around maintaining cool temperatures for the grapes, pure parcel-based vinification, indigenous yeasts (selected from the estate), and gentle extraction. The manual harvest in crates takes place at dawn to benefit from the overnight temperature drop. With the winery located at the heart of the vineyard, transport time is minimal. The finest juice is then selected. Prior to fermentation at low temperatures, a 24-hour cold settling is carried out at a controlled temperature between 8 and 10°C. There is no malolactic fermentation on this wine, which is naturally fined and filtered. Pinky Punky 2023 is vinified in stainless steel tanks and manually refrigerated, avoiding barrel ageing to preserve the lightness of this exceptional wine.