Mas de Daumas Gassac Rouge 2021, IGP Saint-Guilhem-Le-Desert, Cite D’Aniane, Languedoc, France

In 1971, the Guibert family founded the Mas de Daumas Gassac estate on an historical farm with a unique red glacial terroir contributing to its reputation as the “First growth of the Languedoc”. With 67 estate vineyard plots, farmed in total respect of nature and surrounded by the Garrigue forest, nature’s balance and life have been totally preserved in this magical valley. 2021 vintage: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Pinot Noir, 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Tannat, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Dolcetto. Climate: 2021 was characterized by a cold winter, ending with a severe frost in April, which affected many of France’s vineyards. Between 31 March and 16 April, the temperature in our wild valley dropped to -5°C on several occasions, partially destroying the potential harvest. We then had a rainy summer, with about 40mm in July and another 40mm in August. The temperatures remained cool allowing a slow ripening, gathering complexity in the grapes that is typical of the greatest growth. Tasting: To be drunk in its youth (in the first 3 years) to enjoy its superb fruit aromas. Or to be open from the 5th year to 20th year to appreciate its amazing ageing potential. Vinification: Slow extraction, delicate pump-over and soft infusion vinification, long fermentation and maceration, no filtration. Ageing: 12-15 months in oak barrel (1-7 year old barrels).