The Hedonistic Taster | № 24 | Domaines Paul Mas | Languedoc, FR.

By L.m. Archer @lmarcherml

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.

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“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!

Côté Mas Rosé Aurore 2016, Languedoc.

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

Côté Mas Crémant Rosé NV, Languedoc.

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

Arrogant Frog Rosé 2016, Languedoc.

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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