On a recent trip to the Languedoc for my honeymoon I decided to visit Mas Amiel in the Agly Valley near Maury.
This region of France is truly beautiful with the garrigues of the Corbières rising majestically above the vineyards below that are grown on the black hilltops. Queribus, the ancient Cathar citadel, still watches over the vines from the top of its rocky outcrop.
Mas Amiel typically enjoys 260 days of sunshine (not when we were there however!) and only 700mm of rainfall per year, a climate that is unique in France. Grenache makes up 70% of all production and Syrah and Carignan make up the difference. These grapes resist the wine and drought as their roots delve deep into the shale terroir.
On our arrival at the winery we were greeted by several rows of glass demijohns, used by the winery for the older wines that have helped to build the reputation of Mas Amiel.
The wines are made by adding extra alcohol directly onto the fruit to stop fermentation. They are then aged in these demijohns for one year outside, exposed to the sun. This deliberate oxidation gives the wines a lovely nutty aroma and dark colour. After the first year they are then moved into large oak vats for 10,15 or 20 years. Here are my tasting notes:
Plénitude 2009: Made from 100% Maccabeu grapes that are, once picked, laid on the stones at the foot of the vines to concentrate the flavours. This wine is rich and sweet with fresh pear and raspberry aromas.
Mas Amiel Vintage 2008: Made from 100% Grenache, aromas of black cherry, raspberry, blackberry and chocolate. It is rich and sweet and very silky.
Cuvée Spéciale 10 Ans: Elegant red fruit flavours with cedar, chocolate and spices. Nutty on the finish, which is very long.
Prestige 15 Ans: Fig, tobacco and chocolate with orange rind. Silky and intense with bitter chocolate on the finish.
Written by Claire Scott-Gall
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