When the vineyard was purchased in Languedoc, the initial yields were lower than expected. The soil was dead, due to the previous farmer’s overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, so we looked at ways of rejuvenating it, using compost. Bio-dynamic preparations were added to one organic compost pile and another was left alone. After a while the bio-dynamic pile container far more living organisms so the decision was then made {C}
It was a business decision since the vines are now healthier and grow longer – and the quality of grapes is better. The entire estate is certified by both Demeter and Biodyvin. The fertilizer is compost made from local cow and sheep manure plus some horse manure. Yields are 32 Hl/Ha on average and the entire estate is hand harvested. Chateau Maris is now a 79 acres Biodynamic and Organic Estate (certified by Demeter since 2008, Biodyvins since 2004, Ecocert since 2002 and NOP) divided into a multitude of small vineyards on the hillside above the village of La Liviniere, the first Cru Classe of the Minervois, in the Languedoc region.
It’s not uncommon for people who are new to organic and biodynamic wines to query the extent to which a wine estate can be ‘completely’ organic. Surely, they ask, the organic commitment begins and ends in the vineyard?
Well no – and especially not at Château Maris.
The Domaine was keen to build a winery (chais) that embraced all that was good about new technology whilst not neglecting proven, traditional winemaking practices.
The chais has been built with hemp lime bricks that are supported by a wooden structure. The materials are, for the most part, vegetal and a renewable resource. They emit no gases that are bad for your health health, no dust allergens and no static electricity. Equally, they regulate moisture effectively.
No ventilation is required and nor is any sort of heating or cooling system. As a plant, hemp consumes CO2 and it requires no pesticides or irrigation. It is also well known for its positive properties in maintaining topsoil. The simplicity of the building method also helped to avoid a lot of site waste.
The Château Maris winery will stock CO2 in its hemp walls and in its planted roof.
The roof of the office and tasting building will support 380m2 of photovoltaic solar panels capable of producing 49kwc/an. Along with the building’s efficiency, the complex will produce as much energy as it consumes, as well as stocking CO2 to counter any emissions in the winemaking process.
Follow this link for the full page article by the Wine Spectator entitled "Chateau Hemp"
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.