My Latest in Somm TV Magazine:
5 Ways Languedoc’s Château Maris Is Reducing Its Carbon Footprint
by L.M. Archer
In November 2022, Languedoc’s Château Maris received the Robert Parker Green Emblem, one of only 40 wineries worldwide to earn the distinction for “efforts far beyond the requirements for organic and biodynamic certification.”
It’s no accident but a capstone to the winery’s “exceptional” sustainability efforts. In 2002, Château Maris co-owner and winemaker Robert Eden converted the estate to biodynamics, and in 2016, earned Europe’s first B Corp winery and vineyard certification.
Equal parts visionary, maverick, and bawdy prankster, this British-born, snowy-bearded force of nature strives to reduce Château Maris’ carbon footprint in many ways.
“As Jane Goodall says, ‘Every single person can make a difference every single day,’ — that’s what we try to do. And that’s what we try to communicate,” says Eden.
Here are five ways Château Maris is reducing its carbon footprint:
1) Beginning with Biodynamics
Established in 1997, Château Maris sprawls over 45 hectares (~111 acres) in the Languedoc region of southwestern France. Gently sloping, south-facing plots bookmark between a vast, gnarly national park to the north and the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Here, astounding biodiversity abounds.
Unfortunately, Eden inherited dead soils on the site. This lack of soil vitality negatively impacted the wines. Determined to improve soil health, Eden embraced biodynamics. Based upon the teachings of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic farming follows celestial cycles. It uses natural applications like cow manure, silica and herbal teas to create healthy soils and plants.
“The biodynamic practice is based on a live method of culture,” says Eden. “This live method of culture, if you follow it correctly, increases organic matter in your soil. Suppose you increase organic matter in your soil. In that case, you store more carbon, you have a better system for your plants to grow in, and your plants become more resilient and therefore capable of living much better with these climate difficulties that we’re having.” READ MORE HERE.