Domaine des Masques

The History of the Mask Estate

Traces engraved in the soil of the Domaine des Masques attest to the cultivation of olive trees as early as the Gallo-Roman period and of vines since the Templars. In fact, archaeological research has uncovered a Roman villa, as well as a Templar farm. The latter had founded on the Cengle plateau one of the first commanderies of the Provence order. They were the first to drain the wettest lands, in order to increase the cultivable surface.

The Domaine des Masques owes its name to Lei masquos, or the witches, as they were called in Provencal. Taking advantage of the richness of the flora of the region, they came in great numbers to stock up on rare plants, used for their potions.

Since 2003, the Domaine des Masques has been owned by Sophie and Carl Mestdagh who cultivate vines planted after the great fire of 1989 that ravaged the region.

The Domaine des Masques vineyard

The Domaine des Masques is located 15 kilometers from Aix en Provence, at an altitude of 500 meters on the plateau of Cengle, at the foot of the Sainte Victoire mountain. 25 hectares are dedicated to vineyards, 5 hectares are reserved for olive trees and 2 hectares are used for the cultivation of aromatic plants, notably lavandin.

The site offers an exceptional panorama on the Mont Aurélien, the Sainte Baume, the Garlaban and the massif de l'Étoile, which is why it is listed as a "Natura 2000" territory. The soil is made up of limestone scree and marl. It is generally clay-limestone.

The grape varieties of Domaine des Masques are Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The soils are rather poor and draining. The vines benefit from a favorable climate, thanks to the position of the plateau which guarantees cool temperatures.

The winds are frequent. They are accelerated by the Sainte Victoire Mountain which overhangs the Domaine des Masques and keep away the risks of cryptogamic diseases. The isolation of the vineyard between hills and scrubland favors biodiversity.

The wines of Domaine des Masques

Syrahdictive Cuvée

Syrahictive represents the emblematic cuvée of Domaine des Masques. It is produced only in good vintages, following a drastic plot selection.

It is a wine of great freshness, fragrant and wild.

Cuvée Essentielle

The Cuvée Essentielle offers a blend of predominantly Syrah for the red, Chardonnay for the white, Grenache for the rosé.

Essentielle Rosé is a complex rosé that appeals to lovers of minerality.

Essentielle Blanc proves to be dry and greedy, with a fine lemon note.

Essentielle Rouge offers floral and fruity aromas, backed by velvety tannins.

Cuvée Exception

The Cuvée Exception of the Domaine des Masques lists wines composed exclusively of a single grape variety: Syrah for the rosé, Chardonnay for the white and Viognier for the red.