New Arrivals from Marius Long / Sense Pressa
Marius Long moved to the village of Padern on the border of Languedoc and Roussillon after years of studying winemaking around France and abroad. He had been inspired by gastronomy and viticulture after growing up in a family of restauranteurs in Paris. We met a few years ago in Barcelona whilst the annual wine fairs were happening. He wasn't officially showing wine but had some bottles with him that he was keen for me to try. I've have been huge fan ever since and have been tracking his progress carefully. We even paying him a visit in September 2024 when harvest was happening. These photos are from that trip.
(The village of Cucugnan which neighbours Padern. Located on the border between the regions of Languedoc and Roussillon)
(Winemaker Marius Long inside one of tanks)
(Joanna getting stuck in on the grape stomping)
Now 5 years into his project, he produces very small quantities of natural wine from 4 hectares of his own vines. Each cuvée displays both rustic and elegant characteristics that offer an authentic expression of this rugged region. Mainly made from Grenache grapes, the wines showcase the aromatic and herbal side of the variety and are so fresh! Not something you always associate with wines from this part of France. He also started a negotiant arm to his business under the name Joli Raisin. This gives Marius the opportunity to work with white grape varieties. We look forward to receiving these later in the year.
For now we have just received two new exciting red cuvées;
Bright and lifted red wine with a light body made from 100% Grenache Noir grapes. Dark fruit alongside cooling, herbaceous characteristics make for a beautiful experience.
Light to medium red wine made with de-stemmed Grenache grapes infused with whole bunches of Carignan. Rapberries, plums and Marius' signature aromatics combine wonderfully.
Happy drinking!
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