The Hedonistic Taster | № 24 | Domaines Paul Mas
by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML
A Tasse de dégustiation, or tastevin, is a silver tasting cup used by vignerons and negociants in Burgundy to taste wines. Most are presented as christening gifts at birth.
" data-orig-size="289,175" sizes="(max-width: 289px) 100vw, 289px" data-image-title="tastevin" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg" style="border:0;height:auto;max-width:100%;clear:both;display:block;margin:5px auto 10px;border-radius:2px;vertical-align:middle;box-sizing:inherit;" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=289" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2016/04/10/the-hedonistic-taster-%e2%84%96-1/imgres-4/" alt="Tastevin" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg 289w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=150 150w" class="size-full wp-image-13244 aligncenter" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=289" />“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer
Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of gorgeous, small-lot artisan pours in an intimate tasting format.
The title derives from the term ‘hedonistic tasting,’ coined by legendary Burgundian vigneron Henri Jayer.
Santé!
Today’s Tasting:
Domaines Paul Mas | Languedoc, FR.
Jean-Claudes Mas of Domaines Paul Mas in Languedoc, famous for introducing the term ‘luxe rural,’ or an appreciation of the simple pleasures of life.
" data-orig-size="3200,2128" title="Jean-Claude’s Côté Mas" data-image-title="Jean-Claude’s Côté Mas" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/jean-claudemaswithtabledisplay.jpg" style="width: 696px; height: 463px;" itemprop="http://schema.org/image" height="463" width="696" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/jean-claudemaswithtabledisplay.jpg?w=300" data-original-height="463" alt="Jean-Claude’s of Domaines Paul Mas, fourth-generation vine grower and first-generation vigneron in France's Languedoc wine region." data-original-width="696" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"7.1","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D4S","caption":"Jean-Claude\u0092s C\u00f4t\u00e9 Mas","created_timestamp":"1496772964","copyright":"","focal_length":"32","iso":"1000","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"Jean-Claude\u0092s C\u00f4t\u00e9 Mas","orientation":"1"}" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/jean-claudemaswithtabledisplay.jpg?w=700" /> Jean-Claude’s of Domaines Paul Mas, fourth-generation vine grower and first-generation vigneron in France’s Languedoc wine region.“Luxe Rural” – An appreciation for the simple things in life.
This summer, fourth generation vine grower and first generation wine maker Jean-Claude Mas unleashed a trio of his “luxe rural” rosé wines as part of a “Rosé en Mas” virtual tasting for #wineStudio, an online wine community to which I belong.
I wanted to share my tasting notes from the event with you for a few reasons.
Firstly, the wines of Domaines Paul Mas provide exceptional value. They also evince enough character and coloratura for any meal, occasion, or season.
Additionally, as a student of Burgundy, I also find that the wines of Domaines Paul Mas provide an unparalleled example of that very French concept of terroir, or sense of place – in this case a taste through the Languedoc, France’s ‘destination’ wine region for fine rosé. Enjoy!
Wine: Côté Mas Rosé Aurore – Sud de France | Pay d’Oc IGP
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 13%
Suggested Retail: $10.99
Specs: A blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Clear salmon robe.
Nose: Strawberry, nectarine, Jolly Roger watermelon candy.
Palate: Delightfully briney, tart yet fleshy Queen Anne cherry bouche. Medium body, acid, finish.
Suggested Pairings: The texture, depth and complexity of this wine belies its pricetag. Serve this any time of year with poultry or fish.
Score: 88
Wine: Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV | Jean-Claude Mas à Ste. Hilaire
Alcohol: 12%
Suggested Retail: $15.99
Specs: 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin, 10% Pinot Noir.
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Clear coral robe, vibrant beading, diffuse mousse.
Nose: Effervescent pamplemousse (grapefruit) aromas.
Palate: Crisp, clean, bright grapefruit notes carry through to a brilliant finish.
Suggested Pairings: Did you know that Limoux ranks as France’s oldest sparkling wine regions? For under $20, this gorgeous-hued crémant accents any brunch, baby or bridal shower.
Score: 87
Wine: Arrogant Frog Rosé | Pay d’Oc | Languedoc
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 13%
Suggested Retail: $9.99
Specs: 100% Syrah
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Pale rose petal pink robe.
Nose: Resinous cheery blossom.
Palate: Salinous red fruit. Medium body, acid plus, bright finish.
Suggested Pairings: For under $10, this is your go-to wine for parental gameside hob-nobbing or unpretentious poolside, patio and picnic gatherings.
Score: 86
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Cheers!
Learn more about Domaines Paul Mas here.
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