Mas d'Espanet

The history of Mas d'Espanet

Mas d'Espanet is a relatively recent wine estate, having been taken over in 1980. The estate is located in a highly favorable region for vine-growing, between Uzès and Sommières in Languedoc, in the heart of the Massif des Lens, nestled among the garrigue. For a long time, however, the site was abandoned until it was bought by Denys Armand.

In 1980, this heir to a long tradition of winegrowers, winemakers and distillers decided to buy Mas d'Espanet and set about restoring it. After a long period of neglect, everything had to be rebuilt, both in the vineyard and the winery.

The renovations are progressive. In 1999, a new level was reached, with the total restoration of the cellar, as well as the transformation of the former sheepfolds into a barrel cellar to vinify the grape production from the 20 hectares of vines.

The Mas d'Espanet vineyard

The Mas d'Espanet vineyard benefits from two climatic influences on the northeastern border of Languedoc. The vines benefit from the mistral wind, which cleanses them and keeps parasites and diseases at bay. The cool nights are also beneficial to the health of the grapes.

During the restructuring of the Mas d'Espanet vineyard, Denys Armand managed to save a few old vines of Languedoc red grape varieties, divided between Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache. The oldest vines are over 50 years old. He also decided to plant white varieties: Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris, Sauvignon, Viognier, Clairette, Picpoul and Chenin.

The estate is run with the utmost respect for nature, with soil work and harvesting done by hand. Yields are controlled according to grape variety, to concentrate fruit aromas and bring freshness to Mas d'Espanet wines. Work in the vineyards is carried out according to the lunar calendar. Grass cover is partial in summer and total in winter. The work of mowing is carried out by a herd of sheep that graze among the vines.

The Mas d'Espanet vineyard holds agriculture biologique AB certification, as well as the DEMETER label.

The semi-underground cellar allows gravity-fed vinification. Cuvées are vinified according to their color. For the reds, this is traditional, with aging in brass vats and foudres. The length of maceration depends on the grape variety and the cuvée.

White wine vinification involves direct de-stemming and pressing, followed by vinification and ageing in demi-muids, foudres and amphoras on lees. Rosé is vinified in vats on lees.

Mas d'Espanet wines

Mas d'Espanet offers wines of all three robes.

Red wine

- Éolienne
- Freesia
- Pinot

White Wine

- Aeolian
- Freesia
- Camille
- To each his own
- Creta Amphora
- Gold and honey

Rosé wine

- Freesia