Jean Claude Mas promotes what he defines as “rural luxury” (le lux rural) with two styles of wines: the easy-drinking ones, and therefore with a good value for money; those that make you dream, starting from the label itself.

We are in the South of France, in Languedoc. Les Domaines Paul Mas was born in 2020 with 35 hectares (86acres) of vineyards that Jean Claude Mas inherits from his father. Today there are 850 hectares (2100 acres) for a total of 15 Châteaux and Domaines and 22 million of bottles. Despite the numbers that could feed easy prejudice, Jean Claude feels more “vigneron” than before when he was a négociant and, therefore, he mainly bought grapes.
Today the goal is to enhance that mosaic of territorial expressions offered by Languedoc rather than be inspired by more well-known styles and denominations. A territory that, being – for now – less “noble” yet, offers itself at much more accessible costs, allowing him an investment of these proportions and to produce wines with great value for money than other territories, such as those of Bordeaux, Barolo, Brunello for instance.

Thanks to an online tasting directed by Jean Claude himself, all the entrepreneurial spirit that distinguishes him has come up, a spirit enriched by the taste for ‘beauty’ and which would lose any value if it was not supported by the passion for ‘good’.

Surprising wines by definition in a world of skeptics for numerically important productions which, on the contrary, can afford investments of this caliber such as, for example, a complex irrigation system of different capacities that is activated according to the needs identified by satellite.

The wines are, in fact, all organic and I was able to taste 4 significant labels of the entire production:

Domaine de Martinolles, Classic Martinolles Viognier IGP Pays d’Oc 2020

100% Viogner, fermented in stainless steel and barrique, MLF for only 30% of the entire mass, aged in stainless steel before bottling.

Captivating and penetrating nose with notes of candied cedar, grapefruit, sage, white pepper on puffs of rock and white chocolate.

Full and round on the palate thanks to an excellent balance, the saline finish invites to drink again. Immediate but never simple. Good potential for ageing, Jean Claude himself confirms that he has recently had a vertical tasting going back to vintage 2008.

Domaines Paul Mas, Vignes de Nicole IGP Pays d’Oc Rosé 2020

35% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 15% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 10% Caladoc, 5% Mourvèdre, from direct pressing and aged in concrete on fine lees.

Subtle nose of strawberries and wild berries with a marine touch. On the palate the velvety, mineral and savory texture is striking. Simple and clean wine.

Domaine de Martinolles, Vergnes Blanquette de Limoux AOP Carte Noire 

90% Mauzac, 10% Chardonnay, 20 months on the lees.

Fine and welcoming nose with excellent layering of notes that range from lemon leaf, lime and green apple up to boulangerie and flint. Very creamy mousse, balanced and long, perfectly dosed.

Domaine Astruc, dA Crémant de Limoux AOP Brut

70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin, 10% Pinot Noir, 12 months on the lees.

Pungent and developed nose characterized by aromas of sweet spices and almond milk; candied citrus and a light vegetable touch. Definitely consistent with a soft sip but still fairly balanced, less structured.