Erwan Masse, agroforestry in Saint-Joseph
You may not have heard of Erwan Masse yet, but his name will soon be on the lips of Rhône wine enthusiasts. Established in 2017, his estate is located in Sarras in the Ardèche, within the Saint-Joseph appellation.
The 3.5 hectares of Syrah, Grenache, Viognier and Marsanne are situated on a plateau at an altitude of around 350 metres. The shallow granite soils allow for slow ripening, moderate alcohol levels and good acidity.
Trained in the Beaujolais region, Erwan Masse produces wines that are simply radiant and refined, prioritising fruitiness and finesse over excessive extraction or ageing.
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Erwan Masse
L’Invitation Viognier
202414.00 € -
EpuiséErwan Masse
Parenthèse
202414.00 € -
Erwan Masse
La Robe Rouge
202314.00 € -
Erwan Masse
L’Invitation Viognier
202314.00 € -
Erwan Masse
Marsanne
202415.00 € -
Erwan Masse
Buissonnière
Viognier de macération16.00 € -
Erwan Masse
Saint-Joseph
202324.00 €
From organic farming to agroforestry
Although the organic certification process began in 2021, the vineyard has been managed using organic farming methods from the outset. The soil is covered with green manure, and the rows are weeded mechanically. On the hillside plots, the soil is worked using a horse.
Since 2020, Erwan Masse has been planting using agroforestry methods, combining vines with apple or pear trees on the same plot. Ultimately, the estate is not expected to exceed 5 hectares.
The grapes are harvested by hand, as are many of the tasks on the estate, and the winemaking process is minimalist.
A few photos of the Erwan Masse estate
