Chateau Maris - Les Planels 2017
Syrah (with a dash of Grenache)
The Languedoc wine appellation is a region in the South of France, extending all along the Mediterranean coast. It is a massive wine growing region, over 700 acres, 3 times the size of Bordeaux. It is not only a large area but also very diverse, covering dry wines of all 3 colours (red, white, rose). 75% of wine produced in the region is red, with the main varieties being Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre.
At the heart of the region is an area consisting of a 6 village zone: Azillanet, Azille, Cesseras, Félines Minervois, La Livinière and Siran. The high quality producers from La Livinière wanted a more premium designation. So they campaigned to the INAO (French body in charge of the wine appellation system) to have their own more specific denomination and from 1999 have gained the special ‘cru’ status .
Today’s wine is from Chateau Maris, situated in the high altitude vineyards of La Livinière. The Chateau was purchased by Robert Eden in 1997. It now takes pride in producing quality wines with the utmost respect for their environment. All their wines are organic and biodynamic. Their efforts don’t stop there, they built the world’s first and only hemp wine cellar. It took 7 years to build and consists of cannabis straw mixed with lime, and molasses, a sugar-based fixer. It maintains the perfect temperature for wine storage and aging, yet needs no air conditioning or heating and all building materials are completely biodegradable.
Les Planels is made from predominantly Syrah with up to 15% Grenache depending on the vintage. The Syrah grapes that are used in this wine are grown in limestone and clay soils on south facing steep slopes that receive ample sunshine, leading to very ripe fruit in the final product. The wine is a deep purple colour in the glass. On the nose there are herbal and peppery notes. Then the palate is full of ripe, rich dark cherries. It is a full bodied wine with soft and approachable tannins. It has good structure to warrant cellaring for 3-5 years. However, it is drinking very well now and at sub £20, it is excellent value for the quality of wine.
Score: 92
Price:
- UK: £ 17.99 (Waitrose) - (Currently on offer for £13.99)
Wine specification:
- Grape variety: Syrah 75%, Grenache 15%
- Region: AOP Minervois, La Livinière
- Vintage 2017
- Ageing: 12 months in French Oak barrels
- Alcohol: 14 %
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