Maury Vin Doux Naturel prices (Red)

Maury's terroir lies in the commune of the same name, to the north of Agly (30km from Perpignan), and also partly in the neighbouring communes. It consists of steep slopes of black schist (Maury comes from "Amarioles" meaning "black earth") that are planted with Grenache Noir and produce the famous vin doux naturels (lightly fortified wines) that are aged in barrels. Deep red when young and in the "rimage" style (matured without oxidation, to preserve the fruit), the wines become a mahogany colour as they age. Those that are matured in barrels have more of a tile colour, and the oxidized "rancios" are more orangey, developing the dark colour of walnut stain. Always very intense, the bouquet is very aromatic, with a base of small red fruit (Morello cherries, blackberries, red berries). Ageing produces hints of vanilla, prunes and candied fruit which evolve towards dried fruit, roasted notes, cocoa, leather and walnuts for the rancios. The most evolved recall cocoa, cooked fruit and coffee. On the palate they are warm, well-structured and fruity when young, with notes of plums and fruit-in-brandy for the aged wines, while the oldest wines and rancios eventually evolve notes of coffee, spices, cocoa and walnuts. The finish is fresh and remarkably long.