AOC Maury

Northwest of Perpignan, the Maury valley makes two families of wine. Vins doux naturels are fortified with grape spirit during fermentation and keep at least 45 grams of sugar per liter. Dry red Maury ferments all the way through. Aged away from air, the sweet wines are labeled grenat or blanc; aged in contact with air, tuilé or ambré.

Dry Red Maury: Grenache Without Fortification

Since November 2011, the Maury appellation has also covered a still red wine, commonly called dry Maury (Maury sec). Its grapes come from the same delimited area as those for the vins doux naturels, but the finished wine holds no more than 3 grams of sugar per liter, or 4 grams when its natural alcohol exceeds 14% ABV.

Grenache Noir remains the main grape, supported by Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Carignan brings rustic character, while Syrah and Mourvèdre add tannin and color.

The grapes must reach at least 216 grams of sugar per liter of must, and the wine at least 12.5% natural alcohol, with no chaptalization or other enrichment allowed. Yields are capped at 40 hectoliters per hectare (about 430 US gallons per acre).

Dry Maury is aged at least until March 1 after the harvest and can go on sale to consumers from that date. This minimum aging helps soften its tannins.

History of the AOC Maury

Rooted in the winemaking traditions of Roussillon, AOC Maury is renowned for its vin doux naturel (natural sweet wines) crafted over centuries. This enological treasure draws its essence from a rich past where monks and winemakers developed the art of fortified wine production as early as the Middle Ages. Recognized in 1936, the AOC Maury designation celebrates the exceptional quality of these sweet wines.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Maury

Climate: Maury enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers that promote optimal grape ripeness.

Soils: The vineyards of Maury flourish on black schist soils, which retain daytime heat, aiding in the concentration of sugars and aromas in the grapes.

Grenache and Macabeu: The Emblematic Grape Varieties of AOC Maury

Grenache Noir is dominant for the red wines, contributing power and richness, while Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and occasionally Macabeu are used for the white wines, offering finesse and elegance.

Style of AOC Maury Wines

Vin Doux Naturel Rouge:

• Appearance: Intense, deep red color with tile-like reflections over time.
• Nose: Rich bouquet of stewed black fruits, cocoa, coffee, and sweet spices.
• Palate: Smooth, marked by a suave sweetness and velvety tannins.

Vin Doux Naturel Blanc:

• Appearance: Pale gold color, which can evolve to amber hues with age.
• Nose: Notes of white flowers, dried fruits, coffee, honey, and candied fruits.
• Palate: Creamy texture with a rich aromatic palette, ranging from citrus to pear with touches of vanilla and sweet spices.

Aging Potential: Maury's vins doux naturels, with their richness in sugar and alcohol, can age remarkably well for 20 years or more, depending on the domaine.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Maury Wines

Here are our recommendations for creating the best food and wine pairings to accompany a bottle of red or white sweet wine from a domaine or château in AOC Maury:

Sweet White Wine:

• Dishes: Crème brûlée, foie gras, pear and almond tart.

Sweet Red Wine:

• Dishes: Blue-veined cheeses (Roquefort, Bleu d'Auvergne), chocolate fondant (Black Forest cake), cherry Bavarian cream.

Hors d'Âge, Grenat and Dry Maury: Appellation Details

When Can a Maury Be Labeled Hors d'Âge?

A tuilé or ambré Maury can be labeled hors d'âge if aged at least until September 1 of the fifth year after the harvest. Otherwise, its aging in contact with air lasts at least until March 1 of the third year. The rancio term can be added when aging has given the wine that flavor.

Who Bottles Grenat Maury?

Grenat Maury is bottled by the producer who harvested and vinified the grapes, or by the co-op that vinified them. The same rule applies to blanc Maury, to preserve the character of both wines. They go into glass bottles no later than June 30 of the second year after the harvest.

What Share of Grenache Noir Does Dry Maury Contain?

Grenache Noir makes up 60 to 80% of the vines of any grower producing dry Maury, and the wine blends its grapes in the same proportions. The other permitted grapes are Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah, plus Lledoner Pelut, capped at 10%.

Where to Buy Maury Direct from the Winemaker?

You can buy Maury, sold by the producer, on Avenue des Vins. Every wine's page lists its grape varieties.

See also: AOC Muscat de Rivesaltes - AOC Côtes du Roussillon Villages - AOC Côtes du Roussillon