Mas des Mesures

Vincent Augé’s Mas des Mesures is situated in the Upper Orb Valley, above Bédarieux. From these 3 hectares of vines, this new winemaker aims to prove that nature goes hand in hand with precision. For this former oenologist is certainly a scientist, but above all a free thinker. He crafts natural wines that reflect his own character, inviting you to embrace a form of Bacchic philosophy.

Why the Mas des Mesures?

There are several reasons for this approach. Firstly, because I find that people are becoming increasingly extreme. This society of extremes can be a bit tiresome at times, and this applies perfectly well to the world of wine. It’s also down to the fact that I make natural wine despite having a background as an oenologist. Which might seem a bit contradictory if you look at it from a distance. Whereas I believe that to make wine without using chemicals, you actually need to understand all the mechanisms involved – from a physical, chemical and microbiological perspective. It therefore seems to me that, in light of all this, one must be measured, know how to measure and interpret. One must therefore be fairly rigorous and not make the mistake of rejecting technical expertise. Whilst remaining aware of the limits of science, and staying open to the intangible and to what we cannot yet necessarily explain (e.g. biodynamics). Without, however, falling into esotericism.

In the vineyard, in the cellar

The vineyards are situated at an altitude of between 300 and 400 metres on varied soils (schist-rich alluvial deposits, sandstone, and clay-limestone). The 3-hectare vineyard comprises Grenache, Syrah, Chardonnay and old goblet-trained vines planted with Carignan, Aramons, etc. This region is somewhat of an enclave, subject to a tempered Mediterranean climate due to its geographical location. This is because it is a valley enclosed between the foothills (600–800 metres) and the Caroux (1,200 metres). This location allows for good phenolic ripeness without high alcohol levels. It also yields fresh profiles with good acidity, which is essential for producing sulphur-free wines.

In search of the perfect balance—or almost

The concept of balance is very important to Vincent Augé, both in wine and in cooking. In red wine, for example, a wine’s balance can be described in terms of three key elements: alcohol, acidity and tannins. And for a white wine: alcohol, acidity and sweetness. This is the concept of roundness; you can draw a triangle with these three components. Essentially, there should be a circle that fits inside this triangle.

However, as in chemistry, when things are in balance, nothing happens; the equation is static. That is why Vincent Augé likes it when things are balanced but there is a little twist. Something that stands out, quite fleeting but enough to evoke emotion and harmony. It is, in short, the balance of moderation and the balance of excess.

A few photos of the Mas des Mesures

The ‘Glouglou’ programme on RPH

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health; please drink in moderation.
In accordance with the Public Health Code, wines, sweet wines and beers have an alcohol content of between 3% and 18%