Mas Janeil Les Hauts de Janeil Syrah-Grenache 2014
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Blend: 80% Syrah, 20% Grenache Noir
Francois Lurton is the fifth generation of his family to be in the wine business in France, as their winemaking roots date back to 1897. Francois started out as Marketing Director of his father's wine company, Andre Lurton in 1985 and moved on to found his own consulting firm with his brother Jacques in 1988. They were endlessly on the search around the world for unique vineyards and terroirs to produce the best possible wine for their customers, which earned them the moniker of the first "flying winemakers." In 2007 they restructured the company and François became the majority shareholder enabling him to work more closely to the winemaking process (both in the vineyards and the cellar) to ensure that the highest level of quality is always delivered.
Mas Janeil landed on Francois' and Jacques' radar in 1996 when they became enamored with the Vallee de l'Agly and its breathtaking landscape prompting them to rent the estate. In 2008 Francois officially purchased Mas Janeil, constructed a new wine storehouse and partially revamped an old irrigation system. Mas Janeil is 59 acres and situated in the commune of Maury in the Roussilon region at the base of a cliff which harbors Chateau de Queribus (Cathar Castle). The estate overlaps a geological fault which allows for an array of different soil types including, schist, granite, limestone and shale. Les Hauts de Janeil selections are made with the same philosophy in mind as the estate Mas Janeil wines but are meant for earlier consumption and crafted with grapes from both the Mas Janeil and neighboring vineyards which are closer to the coast.
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.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.