Recently I had the immense pleasure of tasting the exciting wines of Mas de Daumas Gassac with Mr. Samuel Guibert, Owner/Winemaker of the winery located in Languedoc, France. Mille grazie (thousand thanks) to Mr. Rob Chase, Portfolio Specialist at Augustan Wine Imports for introducing me to Mas de Daumas Gassac’s distinguished wines.
In case you aren’t familiar with Languedoc region – the wines of Languedoc are amongst the most exciting best value wines in France. Languedoc wines cover a broad spectrum, from white to red, dry to sweet; still to sparkling wines with traditional Mediterrean grapes like Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and one can also find a plethora of modern-style Cabernet, Merlots, Chardonnays, and more too.
The terroir of Mas de Daumas Gassac earns the right to be called a “magic” terroir as it’s similar to the one of Côte d’Or in Burgundy. The estate benefit from a rare and still unexplained red, powder-fine glacial soil strikingly similar to that of the best parts of Burgundy. A cool micro-climate amidst the Languedoc heat spills into the Gassac valley creating a micro-climate from which the finesse and complexity of the Mas de Daumas Gassac Grand Crus wines spring.
Languedoc landscape is dominated by a patchwork of low bushes, resinous plants, and wild herbs known as garigue. And the best wines exude the heady scents and earthy flavors of wild thyme, rosemary, and lavender making them a great compliment to Mediterrean cuisine too. Daumas Gassac wines are a fine example of the garigue which bestows incredible complexity.
Gault & Millau calls them “A Lafite in Languedoc“; M. Broadbent considers them one of the “10 best wines in the world“; Robert Parker – “Exceptional“; Decanter – “Unique“. Within 40 years the Mas de Daumas Gassac wines have reached the rare status of “cult wine” that is only given to a few exceptional estates.
On to the best part – tasting notes: our delicious lineup consisted of Moulin de Gassac Picpoul de Pinet, Mas de Daumas Gassac White, Mas de Daumas Gassac Red, and Mas de Daumas Rose Frizant.
Moulin de Gassac Picpoul de Pinet 2013: Pale gold in color, crisp with a hint of yellow flowers, the PicPoul de Pinet is a fairly full wine with briny, mineral notes that screams for shellfish. A unique wine in every sense – grab a bottle if you ever get hold of PicPoul de Pinet.
Mas de Daumas Gassac White 2013: One of the most remarkable Mediterrean whites wines. The richness of Chardonnay and the exoticness of Viognier makes a powerful duo creating a voluptuous wine with an hauntingly long finish. All estate farmed the Mas de Daumas Gassac White comprises of Chardonnay, Viognier, Petit Manseng, and Chenin Blanc with a small percentage of 15 grape varieties. Delicious by itself as an aperitif or with oysters, foie gras or any grilled fish.
Mas de Daumas Gassac Red 2012: A very fine red wine born on red glacial deposits soil, made from 75 percent uncloned and ancient Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Tannat, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto …To be drunk in it’s youth (3 years), the Gassac Red is perfect with complex dishes, red meat, game (especially venison and wild-boar) and cheeses.
Mas de Daumas Gassac Rose Frizant: A fabulous palate refresher made from the younger Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard of the estate, this naturally sparkling wine is a true delight to the palate, thanks to very lively fines sparkles, a low alcohol content (11%) and the extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon red fruit and berries aromas. Yes, I did request seconds for this one. Personally I love to start and end our evenings or meals with bubbles.
In Mr. Guibert’s own words” “Wine is poetry you get to share with friends”. Charming, humble, philosophical, innovative – Mr. Guibert represents the new generation of avant-garde winemakers, who steeped in tradition and high ideals are producing world-class elegant wines, crossing uncharted territory, and ultimately creating new ones along the way.
Request your local wine shop to procure a bottle or case of Mas de Daumas Gassac to share with your loved ones. In the meanwhile, connect with them on Facebook and YouTube.
Until next time, have a delicious day!!!!
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