It is rare to find a block planted with only Grenache Gris. In fact, in the past (and we’re not really sure as to why), Grenache Noir was often planted with a mix of 5 to 10% Grenache Gris. In the Minervois, most of what remains (many of it has been pulled) still goes together in the same fermentation tanks, but we have started to pick it separately two to three weeks before the reds starting with the 2010 vintage. We believe in this varietal and have just planted more this year. The vines for the “Brama” are between 60 and 70 years old.
93 PTS
Located in the windswept, rolling hills of the Minervois, just outside the village of La Livinière, Chateau Maris is run by the affable and gregarious Robert Eden, whom I had a fantastic visit with during my trip through the region.
Staunchly biodynamic and green conscious, Robert went as far as building their new winery out of thick compress straw (hemp to be exact) bricks. In addition, they farm select vineyards using estate-owned work horses.
Focusing on the wines, they’re impressive across the board and offer serious levels of fruit and texture, while staying fresh, balanced and very drinkable. They also represent superb values in most cases.
Moving to the Grenache Gris releases, the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Brama Grenache Gris all look to be outstanding, with varying degrees of citrus, mineral, honeycomb and hints of nuttiness to go with medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. These are just another example of how successful this variety can be in this part of the world, and they deserve attention.