Christophe Marin

Christophe Marin is an artisanal winemaker in the Roussillon wine-growing region who operates with respect for the ecosystem with the goal of valuing the characteristics of the terroir producing quality wines. Christophe founded the winery in 2019 within the small commune of Maury, a few kilometers northwest of Perpignan, buying 11 hectares of vineyards in the Agly Valley after spending 10 years in Burgundy as a cellarer. The call of home was stronger, however, and Christophe therefore decided to return to his roots by bringing his expertise in single-varietal and single-vineyard winemaking, particularly prevalent in Burgundy, to his homeland.

The 11 hectares of vineyards available to Christophe Marin are spread over several plots that benefit from different microclimates and soil types, with common richness of black schist in several vineyards. Following the dictates of biodynamics, Christophe breeds the traditional grape varieties Grenache Noir, Syrah, Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Carignan Blanc, with even very old vines exceeding 80 years of age. In the field, agronomic operations are carried out mainly by hand, limiting the use of machinery, while in the cellar fermentations are entrusted to indigenous yeasts only. The ensuing maturations take place in  228- or 500-liter oak barrels for between 8 and 14 months, after which blending and a further short rest in stainless steel tanks take place.

As mentioned, the wines produced by Christophe Marin are all expressions of a single variety and a single parcel. The exception is the Blanc 'Olivia,' the only one in the range produced from a blend of different varieties, specifically Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Carignan Blanc. The decision to make this cuvée is due to the fact that when the vigneron founded his Domaine he did not have enough white grapes to produce monovarietal wines, preferring therefore to release a blend. Important, therefore, is the production of reds, mainly from Grenache Noir.