The Rhône Valley has been a hub of wine culture since ancient times. Viticulture arrived with the Greeks in the 4th century BC. But it was the Romans who really established the vineyards and reputation of the area using the Rhône as their highway through France.

The region's wines are known for their richness, depth, and complexity, and their ability to age beautifully. They many illustrious villages including Chateauneuf du Pape and Côte-Rôtie.

A red grape variety that is widely planted around the world, particularly in southern France, South Africa and Australia. Typically wines are full-bodied and deeply coloured.

Generally called Syrah in the old world, or Shiraz in the new. It produces wines which are typically high in tannins and acidity, and can exhibit a range of flavors and aromas, including blackberry, black pepper, smoke, and leather.

Found throughout northern Spain and southern France, there are three variants: Grenache Noir, Blanc and Gris. 

Grenache Noir is the most common. It is generally spicy, berry-flavored and soft on the palate. Complex and intense notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, black olives, coffee, gingerbread, honey, leather, black pepper, tar, spices, and roasted nuts can also be found.

Mourvèdre, also known as Monastrell, originated in Spain and is believed to date back to the 1st century BCE. Rarely a standalone varietal it is popular for blending in the Rhône Valley, Provence and Languedoc.

When done well, Mouvérdre wines exhibit flavours of red berries, farmyard, wild game, and earthy notes.

Cinsault is a fragrant and pretty grape. It can have lifted red berry aromas, like raspberry, strawberry and cherry, with floral violet notes. 

It is an important component of blends from Languedoc-Roussillon, the southern Rhône and even Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It adds freshness and fragrance to blends of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan, and is also a major contributor to Provence rosé.

Domaine Maby nestles in the south of the Rhone Valley near Avignon. It has been in the Maby family for over seventy years. Each generation has worked with passion and character to enhance their heritage. The vineyards are all certified organic and are in the historic appellations of Lirac and Tavel.

When Richard took on the vineyards he did so with respect and humility, nurturing wines with rigour and precision to ensure a unique moment of pleasure.