2021 Domaines Paul Mas Claude Val Rouge

Domaines Paul Mas was founded in 1892. The current owner, Jean-Claude Mas, is without doubt the pioneer in 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 Languedoc a 'new world' allure. And with his fashionable wines from local grapes, he has made the local character of the Languedoc hip again among wine lovers. Hubrecht Duijker rightly calls Jean-Claude Mas a 'wine wizard' and at Grandcruwijnen we are the only one in the Netherlands to also carry the high-end Grandcrus of Paul Mas.

The grapes of the Claude Val come from selected vineyards with a clay-like gravel soil. The climate is Mediterranean with influences from the Atlantic Ocean. The Claude Val Rouge is a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Merlot, Syrah. The grapes are vinified separately. After the harvest, a short skin maceration takes place for Merlot and Grenache. Carignan and Syrah are soaked for 6 to 8 days. After fermentation, the wines are blended and the wine matures for at least four months in stainless steel tanks. The whole process is aimed at the wine retaining its fruit, concentration and softness.

In the glass, the Claude Val Rouge from Domaines Mas is light ruby red with a purple glow. In the nose a lot of fresh fruit such as plum, raspberry, but also spicy notes and a little pepper. In the mouth the wine is round, fresh and fruity with soft tannins and notes of licorice in the aftertaste. This everyone's friend actually always does well. The price / quality ratio is more than excellent and is a pleasant wine, not too heavy and does not get boring. The wine is delicious with a salad with grilled steak strips. Also delicious with mild cheeses.