Maury AOC is a Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) from Maury and three neighbouring communes (listed below) in the Agly valley in the most northerly area of the Roussillon region of France. Wines can be either red (the vast majority) or white. The production area covers a potential 1,000ha (2,471 acres) in which other wines such as Rivesaltes AOC (also a VDN) and Côtes du Roussillon–Villages AOC can also be made.

Terroir: The Maury region lies between the Corbières massif and the foothills of the Pyrenees, a narrow corridor 10.5 miles (17 km) long and 2.5 miles (4 km) wide, an enclave in the Fenouillèdes. Vincent Legrand of Domaine de la Rectorie identifies the Maury terroir as having ‘four zones that lie along a north-south axis. There are darker schists, but also some clay-limestone soils that result in the creation of entirely different wines. Grenache grown on schist tends to be more tannic and dryer than that grown on clay and limestone, but it also has a touch more minerality as well’ (Source Harpers: 17 September 2004).

Communes: Maury. | Rasiguères (in part). | Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet (in part). | Tautavel  (in part). 

Vineyard area & wine production: 2002 33,000hl (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004, p.1084).

Terroir: Steep hills. Predominantly black-coloured schist, with areas of clay (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004: p.1084). ‘An enclave of schist within a predominantly limestone and clay zone in the Agly valley (Jonathan Healey: 2002, p.48).

Wines

Maury AOC Blanc: Musky, pear-scented (Source Harpers: 17 September 2004).

Maury AOC Rouge: 85-100% Grenache Noir, 0-15% other authorised grapes such as Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, and Carignan. The wine is very darkly coloured in youth. It can be either a fresh wine with red fruit aromas (try with Roquefort, duck with a fruit sauce) or the more traditional oxidative style (try with dark chocolate).

Wineries

Certified Biodynamic: Les Terres de Fagayra.

Bibliography

‘A wine from all Reasons’, Harpers Wine & Spirit Weekly 17 September 2004, p.18-19.