Chateau Mas Neuf Rhone Paradox Costieres de Nimes Rouge 2014
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
At the Southern extremity of the Rhone Valley (a very warm region), this unexpected coolness is a real singularity which marks the selection of the most adapted grape varieties and on the style of wine. They call it the "Rhone paradox".
The principal vineyards grouped around the winery have the advantage of being firmly planted on well drained brown fersiallitic soils, with a good proportion of Villafranchian era pebbles from the Durance and the Rhone. This soil ensures that the vines can get regular but moderate supplies of water. The differing depths and composition create micro terroirs with different characteristics, which are enhanced by varying viticultural techniques.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Gently rolling hills covered by large, round stones on south-facing slopes, Costieres de Nimes is a substantial IGP zone that was formerly considered part of the Languedoc. Today it is included as a section of the southern Rhone; its climate, topography and wines put it more in line with that appellation. Grenache is its most important red variety, along with Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. Half of the production here is rosé.