Built on a very old estate in the Gaillac vineyards , the Château de Mayragues is in itself a perfectly restored 12th - century architectural gem. Exemplary of biodynamic viticulture, the Gaillac wines produced there are a creative, coherent, and masterful expression of the appellation.
A pioneer estate in biodynamics
When Alan and Laurence Geddes acquired Château de Mayragues in 1980, the building was in ruins. The 12th - century structure, restored during the Renaissance, had nothing left but the sky and its clouds for a roof and framework. A restoration project then began, accompanied by the revitalization of the vineyard. At the time, the vines were planted only with hybrid varieties intended for the mass production of table wine. A radical decision was necessary: Alan Geddes uprooted the lackluster vines to reintroduce native grape varieties such as Braucol and Duras for red wines, and Mauzac for white wines. And, with his foresight, he became a pioneer of organic and then biodynamic agriculture in the Gaillac vineyards . The first vintage was bottled in 1982. From then on, the work never stopped.
Between elegance and consistency
The vineyards of Château de Mayragues cover 13 hectares. They lie at the heart of a larger estate, where 90 hectares of woods and fields provide protection. Today, Duncan Geddes , the son, oversees the entire operation. His sister, Anne Geddes , has also taken over and assists him in managing the estate. Their passion is identical to that of their parents. They watch over their wines as the entire family has watched over the château, whose meticulous restoration is a work of art in itself. A centerpiece of the estate's architecture, its historical presence enhances the nobility of the work carried out here. For the wines of Château de Mayragues are crafted not only with respect for ancestral land, but they also reveal an elegance and coherence that perfectly express the history and the place.
A finely tuned breeding
In the cellar, Gaillac wines are aged in vats or barrels. The range is structured around two red wines, two dry white wines, one sweet white wine, and a sparkling wine made using the ancestral method. Occasionally, depending on the vintage, a red or rosé wine completes the winemaking process. All showcase the typical characteristics of the Gaillac appellation: the white wines are made from 100% Mauzac or 100% Loin de l'Œil grapes. The red wines, such as Les Mages and 23° Fahrenheit , are blends of Braucol and Cabernet Sauvignon for the former, and Braucol, Duras, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon for the latter. The Brut de Mayragues , a sparkling wine made using the ancestral method, is made from 100% Mauzac grapes. The Cuvée de Mayragues sweet wine , aged in oak barrels, is the pure expression of Loin de L'Œil, whose aromatic integrity is preserved by the careful selection of acacia wood. Into this harmonious blend, a superb flor wine, Ambre de Mayragues , sometimes 100% Mauzac, sometimes 100% Loin de l'Œil, depending on the vintage, is subtly woven. Even more exquisite, Esprit de Mayragues , a brandy distilled by Laurent Cazottes, elevates the entire collection. Sincerity and passion, power and velvety texture, reign in each of these wines. They are the fruit of a family spirit where generosity, courage, and precision are spontaneously expressed. These qualities are perfectly reflected in the elegant handwritten signature of Château de Mayragues wines.
