Mas Jullien 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for Mas Jullien 2021 white

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a yellow hue with golden highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, with concentrated mineral notes accompanied by almond paste, lemon blossom and stone fruit. A beautiful finesse emerges from the ensemble.

Palate

On the palate, this white wine captivates with its medium texture and layered structure. Citrus, almond paste and toasty notes express themselves with elegance. The freshness characteristic of Olivier Jullien's wines is fully apparent, offering a remarkable balance between volume and tension thanks to well-preserved acidity.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted Mediterranean fish prepared with olive oil, fennel or citrus zest. It also pairs beautifully with delicate white meats such as chicken with morels, roast veal with herbs or guinea fowl with citrus. Refined vegetarian dishes such as fennel and saffron risotto or gnocchi with sage butter also make excellent pairings. For cheese, opt for aged cooked pressed cheeses such as Comté, Beaufort or Swiss Gruyère.

Serving and storage

Mas Jullien 2021 white deserves to be served at a temperature between 11 and 13°C, or even 14°C for bottles with a few years of age. Decanting is recommended for young wines. This wine has an aging potential of over ten years or so, developing controlled oxidative notes of beeswax, dried fruit and white tea over time.

A white wine from Languedoc of rare elegance and complexity

The estate

Founded in 1985 by Olivier Jullien, Mas Jullien stands as one of the most influential estates in the Languedoc. A visionary owner and winemaker, Olivier Jullien revolutionized the perception of wines from this region, once associated with mass production. Located in Jonquières, north of Montpellier, the estate spans eighteen hectares within the Terrasses du Larzac appellation. Olivier Jullien has been recognized by his peers as one of the leading architects of the rigorous viticultural renaissance in this area. His approach prioritizes terroir expression and quality over commercial considerations, making Mas Jullien an essential benchmark acclaimed by the Bettane & Desseauve and La Revue du Vin de France guides.

The vineyard

The Mas Jullien white vineyard is planted on soils of great geological diversity, including alluvial terrains and limestone terraces characteristic of the Larzac plateau. The plots are situated at high altitudes, some approaching nine hundred meters, creating cooler climatic conditions than in the lower-lying areas of the Languedoc. This strategic altitude helps preserve the essential acidity of the grapes while avoiding excessive alcohol accumulation. The limestone, clay and gravelly soils promote significant microbial activity and contribute to the distinctive minerality of the wines. The estate practices uncertified organic viticulture, with natural grass cover, composting and soil cultivation. This wine is classified as IGP Pays de l'Hérault.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by a harsh winter with frost episodes affecting many French vineyards. A milder spring allowed flowering in late May, followed by particularly rainy months of June and July. Weather instability occurred between mid-July and mid-August. Despite these contrasting conditions, the grapes reached optimal ripeness, producing wines of exceptional quality.

Winemaking and aging

After crushing and pressing, the must of Mas Jullien 2021 white undergoes overnight settling before fermentation. Each grape variety from each distinct terroir is vinified separately in six-hundred-liter demi-muids, allowing precise control over fermentation characteristics. Most components do not undergo malolactic fermentation, with the exception of Carignan Blanc, thus preserving the sought-after acidity that creates the characteristic mineral tension and freshness. The final blend is assembled after fermentation. Aging takes place in large neutral oak foudres, promoting subtle wood integration while keeping the expression of fruit and terroir at the forefront.

Grape varieties

Clairette, Carignan Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc