By John Rozentals.
Jean-Claude Mas: vineyard knowledge and winemaking skills are highly regarded.
Jean-Claude Mas’s vineyard knowledge and winemaking skills are so highly regarded that Domaines Paul Mas has just been voted European Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine in its 2020 Wine Star Awards.
Since his humble beginnings, Jean-Claude has used his passion for and expertise of the terroirs of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region to thoughtfully expand the holdings of Domaines Paul Mas to over 2300 hectares of vineyards.
He now produces around 20 million bottles of wine a year, and distributes them to more than 70 countries.
He has perfected the art of blending and is able to craft wines from some 45 different grape varieties from 25 diverse terroirs in the Languedoc, always aiming for what he calls “rural luxury”.
Two wines that encapsulate this great winery and its stellar vineyards are now available exclusively at Melbourne-based wine retailer and distributor Sol y Vino.
Sol y Vino focuses on supplying wines from the very best producers in Argentina, Spain and other quality European wine producing countries, which is why they are delighted to be able to offer wines from Domaines Paul Mas, the newest European Winery of the Year.
WINE REVIEWS
Vignes de St Pierre 2018 Blanc ($18.50): for this dry white, Jean-Claude has selected a blend of terret blanc, ugni blanc, chasan, vermentino and sauvignon blanc from the Languedoc. Jean-Claude has created a delicious and unique wine which showcases the wine region it comes from. It has a long, refreshing finish and great food compatibility. It is a natural with any fish or shellfish dish on the BBQ or a salad.
Vignes de St Pierre 2019 Rosé ($18.50): Jean-Claude has blended grenache, cinsault and syrah for this dry rosé. Each grape variety was vinified separately, pressed with a pneumatic press and only the free-run juice was used to blend together to make an elegant, smooth and perfectly balanced rosé. This is another wine that goes brilliantly with food. It offers great value and its flavours transport the tastebuds to the south of France, even if you aren’t allowed to travel there yourself this summer.
WINE OF THE WEEK
Svedka Rosé Vodka ($49 per 750ml 30% alc by vol): not really wine but alcoholic, crisp and dry so I think I can get away with writing about it. A delicious summery mixer that makes a terrific sparkler with a dash of soda and is ready for garnishing with a ripe strawberry.
NOTE: Potential travellers should check the status of individual events and establishments with regard to the coronavirus outbreak.
