Description
Following the ‘Soir à Pressoir’ vintage, Mas du Chêne treats us to a new, exceptionally drinkable vintage: ‘Joue contre Jour’. This time, it is a carbonic maceration of Grenache and Syrah, offering a touch more depth whilst retaining the same slender, airy structure. In the true tradition of Luc Vignal’s winemaking, the fruit is ever-present without the slightest hint of harsh tannins. A lovely, sparkling and indulgent wine, perfect for accompanying grilled beef or lamb.
In the vineyard, in the cellar
The Mas du Chêne’s Joue contre Jour cuvée in detail:
- A blend of Syrah and Grenache
- Stainless steel vatting with a small portion of the vat (Pinot Noir)
- Cold pre-fermentation (48 hours at 4 degrees)
- Light pumping over
- Carbonic maceration (whole bunches) without intervention for 3 weeks to 1 month
The estate
Le Mas du Chêne comprises 64 hectares in a single block surrounding the farm buildings. It is situated to the south of the Costières de Nîmes appellation area. The vineyard covers 50 hectares; the remaining 14 hectares consist of woodland, olive groves and hedgerows. These contribute to the balance of the landscape and biodiversity, as do the fallow fields. The terroir consists of rounded Villafranchian pebbles. These allow rainwater to seep into the layer of stones and collect in the gullies of the underlying terrain. They thus form a discontinuous water table that provides the vines with a regular supply of water, thereby preventing summer drought. The vineyard boasts a wide variety of grape varieties, enabling the production of numerous single-varietal wines.
What to eat with a Joue contre Jour from Mas du Chêne?
- Grilled beef
- Grilled lamb
- Braised beef cheeks
- Rougail with sausage
