2016 Jean Claude Mas Astélia 'AAA' Cru Pézenas

Domaines Paul Mas was founded in 1892. The current owner is Jean-Claude Mas and this is undoubtedly the pioneer in the field of the revival of the Languedoc as a region for quality wines. Jean-Claude characterizes his wines as 'Le Luxe Rural', rural luxury. With international grape varieties, he has given the Languedoc 'new world' allure. And with his fashionable wines from local grapes, he has made the local character of the Languedoc hip again for wine lovers. Hubrecht Duijker rightly calls Jean-Claude Mas a 'wine wizard' and at Grandcruwijnen we are the only ones in the Netherlands who also carry Paul Mas's high end Grandcrus.

The Astélia 'AAA' Cru Pézenas is a blend of the grapes: Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah coming from selected vineyards around Pézenas, Languedoc. The soil consists of sandstone, clay and pebbles. The climate is Mediterranean. The age of the vines is between 28 and 38 years.
The grapes are vinified separately. The fermentation takes 5 to 10 days and is followed by peeling for 2 to 5 weeks. Three blends are made in November, which then mature further on wood for 10 months (70% French, 30% American, a third new). After this ripening, the final blend is made.

In the glass, the Astellia is deep ruby red with black tones. In the nose fresh dark fruit such as blackberry and black currant but also notes of olive tapenade and tones of wood. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with clearly present but soft tannins. Lots of red currant in the taste and some notes of licorice. This is a sturdy wine which is a pleasure to drink with a 'Tournedos Rossini' and fillet mignon with truffles and honey.

The Astellia is one of the Cru wines coming from the top range of Domaines Paul Mas and even then these wines excel at a great price / quality because it is difficult to find this quality for a wine well under 20 euros . In addition to the content, the bottle is also a jewel on the table.