Winemaker Notes
The softness of Grenache is balanced by the mineral backbone extracted from the schistous soils. The Syrah and Carignan add pronounced spicy and peppery components. Intense yet subtle.
Enjoy the richest and most intricate of meals.
Blend: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Maury Sec Serge & Marie is 70% Grenache, 20% Carignan, and 10% Syrah and is aged in 50% foudre and 50% used barrique between two and ten years old. It's a more serious wine offering ripe kirsch, blackberry, peppery herbs, and obvious minerality in a medium to full bodied, ripe, silky, textured package.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Slightly lifted, high-toned scents of thyme and bay leaf accent black cherries and plum notes on the nose of the 2019 Maury Sec Serge & Marie. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 10% Syrah, it's medium to full-bodied, silky and reasonably elegant, with a soft, lingering finish. Best After 2022
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A northern point in France’s far southern Roussillon region, Maury is dominated by steep limestone cliffs and the castle of Queribus, which the French used as a defense outpost against the Spanish until 1659. Today it remains an important symbol of the presence of both cultures in the region.
Though Maury is famous for vins doux naturels (a style of fortified wine), Maury dry red wines are quickly becoming more in vogue and received their own appellation designation in 2011, called Maury Sec. As is the case in most of Roussillon, Grenache plays a key role here. The region’s schist-dominant vineyards, which climb up to 1,300 feet, are excellent for the production of Grenache of all styles.
For Maury dry red wines, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah act as blending partners with Granche Noir. In the production of vins doux naturels, Grenache Gris and Blanc play a subsidiary role. The latter are characterized using the same terminology as that in Riveslates with those named as grenat or tuilé based on Grenache Noir and those described as ambré or blanc containing more Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris.