Well Spring 2013 is turning out to be the season for discovering the exciting wines of Southern France and we couldn't be happier. France has been an area that I have deliberately ignored in the past. Times have changed and so have I, this spring we've had the great opportunity to taste a lot of wonderful wines from "Sud De France." We are loving them.
One of the most exciting events was a tasting of 19 wines from the Languedoc estate Château Paul Mas at the fabulous restaurant Hundred Acres in NY, presented by fourth generation wine maker Jean-Claude Mas.
These wines are alive with luxuriant aromas, flavors and sensations, so drinkable, so pleasurable.
Their beginning was on a small parcel of land acquired in 1892 by Auguste Mas who founded the family vineyard. Four generations and a 108 yeasr later Jean-Claude Mas created Domaines Paul Mas. To it he brought a new world view, passion and vision which lead Domaines Paul Mas to become "a gateway to the universe of Rural Luxury, Le Luxe Rural."
Over the years the Domaine has grown from the original property in Conas hamlet, home of famous playwright Molière. The estates expanded to Montagnac, with Nicole vineyard and Mas des Tannes, to Malras near Limoux, with Domaine Astruc, to Gaja et Villedieu, with Château Arrogant Frog, and to Ceyras, with Château Crès Ricards.
We had the pleasure of experiencing many of the Domaine's great wines, starting with Côté Mas Crémant Blanc and Côté Mas Crémant Rosé two gently effervescent gems that are a tremendous value. We also tasted some of their new entry level wines created to compete well in the international market with great quality at a great price. Côté Mas Blanc Méditerranée and Côté Mas Rouge Intens were both very good.
But the wines that really blew me away were the higher end but still very well priced white wines, Paul Mas Estate Picpoul de Pinet 2012, Paul Mas Estate Marsanne St Hilaire 2012 and Côté Mas Blanquette Ancestrale. They were absolutely exqusite. I am now on a search to find them for purchase in the NY area, will let you know where I find them.
With the red wines we enjoyed some delicious dishes from Hundred Acres Market Menu.
This very fresh take on Borscht paired very well with the Paul Mas Pinot Noirs and Malbec.
Loved these sensuous house made ravioli, with nettles, ricotta cheese, brown butter, and pistachio.
Which went with the magnificent Château Paul Mas Clos de Savignac which was my favorite read of the day.
There were many others tasted, too many to describe here but none disappointed. Just let me say if you see the name Paul Mas on a bottle buy it.
Here is a review of one of the Paul Mas wines from my friend James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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