Wine Review of 2017 Chateau Maris ‘Le Zulu’ Sulfite-Free Vegan Languedoc Red from Minervois AOC, France
Score: 89/100
Le Zulu by famous winery Chateau Maris, out of Languedoc, is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, vinified with no addition of sulfites (SO2).
It is also an organic wine AND a vegan wine made from grapes grown using the principles of biodynamics.
Overall Wine Review & Tasting Impressions
If there was any doubt that this sulfite-free red wine from the South of France could still be a serious wine, just pouring it into a wine glass and revealing its appearance shows such a dark and intense red color with dark purple hues that it makes you instantly (and seriously) curious.
The nose as well as the palate are also seriously fruity, dominated by intense and lean notes of blackberry and other mixed ripe berries, like blueberry.
It’s dry, lean, with a crisp and salivating acidity, slightly sharp tannins but ones that intensify the savoriness and its salivating feel.
A very good Languedoc wine, all about the fruity character, delivered without the sulfite artifact.
Crisp, fruity, somewhat saline and juicy, it seems to have taken the best from Languedoc, the richness of the fruitiness combined with savoriness and good acidity provided by the terroir and combined them for the better.
A wine to experience then it is…
When to Drink & Food Pairing?
Probably not a wine meant to age that much anyway, especially considering the absence of sulfites, and because it is of fruit-driven type to be enjoyed while it’s still vibrant and fresh.
That said, it will most certainly withstand 2-3 years of maturation.
Pair with summery salads or barbecues, mild French cheeses, roasted chicken, grilled lamb or any tasty meaty dish that is not too overpowering flavorwise.
Enjoy 🙂
Please let me know your thoughts