Domaine Christophe Marin is a mere 30-minute drive from the border of Spain. The domaine is located in France's Côtes Catalanes, a region seemingly neither representative of its French homeland nor its Spanish neighbors. The region benefits from its close proximity to the coast, curating wines that are distinctly different from the Languedoc-Roussillon, in which it finds its home. Christophe Marin is a newly installed, passionate, and experienced winegrower based in Maury. He is crafting top-quality, non-fortified wines that showcase the local grape varieties of Côtes Catalanes. Much of his winemaking philosophy is drawn from his time spent in Burgundy working as the cellar master at Domaine Vincent Girardin.

And WOW. Origines is 100% Grenache from the wild unbridled region of the Côtes Catalanes. This wine dazzled the senses. The nose bursts with high-toned red fruit, similar to that of Sangiovese. The tannins are almost Nebbiolo-like, rather than the silky soft tannin of classic Grenache, but the acidity is classically Grenache, supple, and refined. The palate is perfectly ripe strawberry, topped with a dusty earthiness, & a mineral elegance dances across the palate.  But then it hits me; it’s like the best cranberry sauce I've ever had, perfectly ripe, not too tart, mildly earthy, with a lengthy finish that dissipates slowly, drawing you in for another sip. - Kimberly

Pairing: Beef, braised rabbit, slow-roasted pork, duck breast, tajine

Grape: Grenache 

Soil: Varied, including black schist and clay-limestone

Viticulture: Biodynamic, Organic