Rediscovering Languedoc-Roussillon
Situated in the central-northern part of the Latin Arch and responsible for nearly a third of France’s total wine production, Languedoc-Roussillon is one captivating story. This region, along with Provence, has the oldest vineyards in France, planted by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. From the 4th to 19th centuries, Languedoc-Roussillon was renowned for producing quality wines, so much so that in the 14th century, hospitals in Paris prescribed them as materia medica. During both World Wars, Languedoc-Roussillon wines formed part of the daily ration for French troops.
One would have thought that the advent of the industrial revolution could only have benefitted Languedoc-Roussillon wines, as it did Burgundy and Rhône, but counter-intuitively, quantity has worked to the detriment of quality and reputation. As railways reached le Midi and vast numbers of people moved to industrialised cities and towns, affordable bulk wines for the working class became the order of the day.
Since the late 1970s, Languedoc-Roussillon has undergone nothing less than a revolution: permitted yields were drastically reduced, new legislation implemented, vines replanted, new varieties introduced, along with injections of capital and technology. Sometimes dubbed France’s ‘New World’ region, Languedoc-Roussillon wines have user-friendly labelling, offer exceptional price-quality ratio, and are typically approachable and immensely quaffable.
At a recent wine dinner hosted by Ubifrance, CLOSER had the opportunity to explore an impressive ensemble of 25 ambassador wines by Domaines Paul Mas, in the presence of proprietor-winemaker Jean-Claude Mas. Established in 1892, Domaines Paul Mas has been a driving force behind the Languedoc-Roussillon renaissance, with its eight estates and a total of 440ha under vine – all practicing sustainable agriculture without exception – across the region.
Exporting to nearly 60 countries around the world, Domaines Paul Mas recently opened an office in Hong Kong. On his business development strategy Jean-Claude Mas notes: “the Chinese market is promising strong growth for our wine sales”. Whereas Domaines Paul Mas is humble enough to call its authentic and attractively priced wines “everyday luxury”, oenophiles beware, many of them are of outstanding quality, having won some 300 medals over the past three years.
Domaines Paul Mas’s dictum, la luxe rural, is very much an attitude towards wine and life.
Domaines Paul Mas Vignes de Nicole 2013
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from IGP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) Pays d’Oc. Reddish black with cardinal-purple rim, the fleshy nose offers black cherry, plum, allspice and leather. Supported by ample acidity and smooth tannins, the fruit-driven palate delivers blackberry, red cherry and black olive, infused with bouquet garni. Medium-full bodied at 14%, the tangy entry carries onto a spicy mid-palate, leading to a dense finish.
Festive pairing:
charcuterie, galantine, pâté or terrine
Château Arrogant Frog 2013
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec from AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) Limoux. Bright garnet with burgundy-cardinal rim, the fragrant nose reveals raspberry, red cherry, nutmeg and cocoa, decorated by geranium. Underpinned by lively acidity and ripe tannins, the elegant palate emanates blackberry, black cherry, allspice, tobacco and garrique. Medium-full bodied at 13.5%, the suave entry transforms into an energetic mid-palate, leading to a persistent finish.
Festive pairing:
turkey, goose, game birds or rabbit roast
Château Paul Mas Clos du Moulinas 2013
A blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache from cru Pézenas, the tip of the AOP Coteaux du Languedoc pyramid. Deep garnet with cardinal-carmine rim, the aromatic nose exudes cassis, dried strawberry, clove and bacon, adorned with geranium. Buttressed by juicy acidity and ripe tannins, the complex palate provides black cherry, blackberry confit, black olive, game and garrique. Full-bodied at 14.5%, the heady entry continues through a concentrated mid-palate, leading to a savoury finish.
Festive pairing:
venison, beef or mutton stew
Château Paul Mas Clos des Mûres 2012
A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre from AOP Coteaux du Languedoc. Rich garnet with purple-violet rim, the profuse nose radiates cassis, blackberry, spice box and cocoa, elaborated with violet. Braced by generous acidity and supple tannins, the copious palate supplies bilberry, damson, liquorice, coffea arabica and toasted oak. Full-bodied at 14.5%, the potent entry evolves into a vivacious mid-palate, leading to a prolonged finish.
Festive pairing:
grilled veal, rack of lamb or pork cutlet
CONTACT
Mr Yohann Autret
Domaines Paul Mas
www.paulmas.com
T +852 2520 0306