The Biodynamic Philosophy

 

Core to biodynamic viticulture is the knowledge that chemical fertilizers, pesticides and many other modern farming methods, whilst increasing raw yields, poison the soil and mask the true terroir of the vineyard. Or, more simply put, they strip the wine of any true flavour.

 

The biodynamic approach is an holistic one and is, for some, ‘supercharged organics’! We understand the importance of encouraging vitality in the vineyard and do this through intensive composting. We also place a strong emphasis on the naturally occurring lunar and solar cycles and are guided by them to identify the best times for tasks such as ground preparation, sowing, cultivating and, ultimately, grape harvesting.

 

The Science of Biodynamics

 

If you’re looking for definitive answers, the chances are you’ll be disappointed! We’ve still got a lot to learn about why it is that biodynamic wines can taste so significantly superior to ‘conventionally made’ examples but there is both a swell in the numbers of winemaker’s moving to biodynamics and a growing body of evidence that supports the practice.

 

Studies published in respected journals such as ‘Science’ have established that biodynamic vineyards have higher soil quality, lower crop yields (a good thing if you’re looking for top notch grapes), increased microbial activity and greater biodiversity than conventional vineyards.

 

We understand that vines do not work in isolation to produce top-quality grapes. The soils, the organisms that live within them and all the living things that surround our vineyards are all part of a highly complex ecosystem that ultimately influence the quality and flavours of the grapes that are harvested from our vines. It is our role to enable this ecosystem to work as effectively as nature intended because when it does, we are all able to enjoy the well-balanced, expressive and individual wines that are the result.

 

Biodynamics: The Winery

 

Our new winery is a thermodynamic recyclable vegetable building, which may sound hi-tech but which was built using a centuries old method, utilising natural energy resources and biodynamic principals. Harmoniously built into the landscape the building produces as much energy as it consumes.

 

Grapes, must and wine are moved around by gravity alone, meaning that every aspect of the winemaking is handled gently, allowing us to retain the inherent quality of the grapes.

 

Biodyanmics: A Final Word

 

At Château Maris we believe that our methods produce the finest possible wines in the very best environment.

 

We are the only fully-certified biodynamic estate in the AOC Minervois La Liviniere and are proud that our way of working will help secure the beauty of this place for generations to come.