Domaine Mamaruta

Marc Castan grew up in Narbonne and spent his childhood in the Corbières maritimes. After completing viticultural training, he took over vineyards originally planted by his grandfather, who had been a country veterinarian in the area. Castan spent several years delivering fruit to the local cooperative before deciding in 2009 to vinify independently under the Domaine Mamaruta label.

The estate covers approximately 14 hectares spread across La Palme, Roquefort-des-Corbières, and Leucate on the Aude coastline. Soils vary between rounded alluvial pebbles near the étang de La Palme and limestone cliff faces above the Mediterranean. Around 70% of vines are gobelet-trained. Yields average 16 to 20 hl/ha. The domaine is certified organic and incorporates biodynamic practices including herbal preparations applied to vine wounds after pruning. More than ten Highland cattle graze the parcels over winter, providing natural fertilization and replacing herbicide use entirely. Hedgerows have been planted at vineyard borders to promote biodiversity.

Harvest starts in mid-August to capture natural acidity before the Mediterranean heat pushes sugar accumulation too high. All picking is done by hand in small crates, in the morning hours. In the cellar, Castan works with minimal intervention: whole-cluster fermentations in stainless steel or fiber tanks with no temperature control additives, no fining, and very low or no added sulfites depending on the cuvée.