LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
lend: 50% Merlot, 40% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache
 
Mas des Brousses sits in Aniane, the Languedoc village made famous by Grange des Peres and Mas de Daumas Gassac. Xavier Peyraud, grandson of Lulu Peyraud of Domaine Tempier in Bandol, runs the estate with his wife Geraldine Combes across nine hectares of garrigue-scented vineyards. Chasseur des Brousses takes its name from the hunters who watch over the Merlot parcels in summer. The blend leans on old-vine Merlot with Mourvedre and a touch of Grenache, aged a year in 400-liter barrels. Silky and medium-bodied, with that unmistakable Languedoc mix of black cherry, wild herbs, and warm stone. An easy wine to love.
 
The couple work organically in the vineyards and have never used pesticides or herbicides. They aim to minimally disrupt the soils with a goal of striking a balance between controlling natural grass cover and preserving moisture in the soils. No plowing is done between vine rows and the soil is worked just once a year between each individual vine. Grapes are hand-harvested, wines are fermented with native yeasts and minimal or no sulfur and are bottled unfiltered to capture the intense fruit and garrigue aromas that the terroir has to offer. These are transporting wines, reminiscent of the herb-laden landscape of rosemary, thyme and sage.
 
 
Food Pairings
Roast chicken or grilled duck breast with herbs.
Lamb shoulder seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
Cured charcuterie and rustic pork paté.
Aged sheep’s milk cheese.