2024 Domaine Astruc Chardonnay Réserve Sud de France

Jean Astruc, a coachman in Limoux, had a dream: his own wine estate. The dream came true in 1862, when he acquired 12 hectares of vineyard in Malras. His son Jean Astruc had the same ideal and, despite the crisis and his departure to the battlefields of the First World War, he continued to acquire land. In the 1950s, his son Pierre inherited the Domaine Astruc. It then included more than 30 hectares of vineyard and the means to exploit it. In 1977, after completing his studies, Pierre's son, Jacques Astruc, returned to Malras to continue building the Domaine Astruc with his father. The Domaine Astruc has continued to grow since then and has grown into a modern winery. In 2003, Jean-Claude Mas came into the picture: owner and winemaker of Les Domaines Paul Mas, a successful and independent family business in Pezenas, also in the Languedoc. He had worked with Astruc for a long time – the main source of their Vin de Pays wines – and decided to buy the Domaine. The d'A range is the first fruit of this purchase.

Domaines Paul Mas was founded in 1892. The current owner is Jean-Claude Mas and he is without a 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 the Languedoc '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 ones in the Netherlands to also carry the high end Grandcrus of Paul Mas.

The Astruc Chardonnay Reserve by Paul Mas is a 95% wood-matured Chardonnay with 5% Mauzac, so a wine with that famous butter. The wine is full-bodied, but surprisingly light and lively, rich and with a remarkable length. After picking, the wine ferments slowly at a low temperature of 16°C with partial malolactic fermentation (60%) so that the acids are retained and the wine does not become woolly as too often happens with barrique Chardonnays. The wine is allowed to mature in oak barrels, 1/3 of which are new and 2/3 2 years old. Half of these barrels are French, the other half American. In the glass, the Asstruc Chardonnay Reserve has a light, fresh, golden yellow color with intense notes of flowers, a little brioche and vanilla and notes of pineapple, lime and quince in the nose.

Gold Medal on the Chardonnay du Monde This Chardonnay has an unprecedented good price-quality ratio and this is what characterizes all wines fromPaul Mas . It is not without reason that Paul Mas was elected European Winery of 2020.

FACT: In the tab 'Attachments' you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will automatically send you this when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.

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WINE-FOOD SUGGESTIONS:

1. Chicken fillet with creamy mustard sauce and peas
   The soft acids and light woody note of the wine combine beautifully with the creamy character of the sauce and the fresh vegetables.

2. Pasta with smoked salmon and lemon cream
   The creamy structure of the wine supports the salmon and citrus aromas, and provides a nice balance to the whole.

3. Grilled zucchini and pepper with feta and olives
   The salty and roasted flavours complement the ripe fruit and roundness of the wine.

4. Salad with roasted peach, goat cheese and walnuts
   The ripe fruit and creamy cheese enhance the fruity and slightly spicy notes in the Chardonnay.

5. Baked sea bass with beurre blanc and green asparagus
   The creamy sauce and delicate fish are beautifully balanced by the fresh acidity and light wood influence of the wine.

6. Risotto with lobster, fennel and lemon zest
   The full, creamy texture of the risotto and the refined flavours of the lobster match perfectly with the elegant, slightly buttery style of the wine.