Mas Amiel : Vintage Charles Dupuy 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Sage Charles Dupuy 2018 from Mas Amiel

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep red color.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity dominated by notes of black truffle. Aromas of black fruit jam, caramel and pepper emerge alongside spicy nuances. Intense hints of fresh fig and cocoa further enrich this sophisticated bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this wine unfolds a penetrating intensity supported by tangy sugars that create a vibrant impact from the very first sip. The structure reveals highly saline tannins that bring remarkable mineral definition and a harmonious balance on the finish. The whole presents an incredible patina with a smooth palate underpinned by fine fortification. The dynamic tension between sweet intensity and mineral salinity prevents any excessive heaviness, producing a wine of great sophistication.

Food and wine pairing

This Sage Charles Dupuy 2018 pairs perfectly with slow-cooked lamb confit, whose tender and unctuous texture echoes the richness of the wine. It also pairs superbly with a wild boar stew with citrus, the mineral salinity of the wine cutting through the richness of the braised meat while the caramel and pepper notes echo the gamy flavors. Dark chocolate desserts and chocolate-caramel combinations make for particularly successful classic pairings.

Serving and storage

The Sage Charles Dupuy 2018 can be enjoyed until around 2028.

The structure and vibrancy of a Maury vin doux naturel

The estate

Mas Amiel is a historic estate in Roussillon whose story began in 1816 when Raymond Etienne Amiel won the property during a card game with the Bishop of Perpignan. Acquired in 1907 by banker Charles Dupuy, the estate built its reputation as a producer of vins doux naturels. Since 1999, Olivier Decelle has been running this 150-hectare property with vines spread across 132 plots, the oldest of which date back to 1914. Under the winemaking direction of Nicolas Raffy since 2007, Mas Amiel has established itself as an essential benchmark in Roussillon, certified organic since 2018 and biodynamic since 2020.

The vineyard

The Sage Charles Dupuy is made from Grenache Noir vines planted in 1914 in the Agly Valley, in the heart of the Maury appellation. These century-old vines root deeply into calcareous schist soils, a metamorphic rock specific to the Agly Valley. This naturally clay-rich terroir gives the wine an almost tannic quality on the palate while contributing marked acidity and salinity thanks to the active limestone present. Situated between two limestone massifs, the vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate combining the freshness of the Pyrenees with Mediterranean energy.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage benefited from favorable weather conditions, allowing the old Grenache Noir vines to reach optimal maturity and develop exceptional aromatic concentration.

Winemaking and aging

The Sage Charles Dupuy 2018 is crafted using the traditional methods of Maury vins doux naturels. Aging takes place over eighteen months in tanks and new barrels, the latter accounting for 20% of the vessels used. This measured proportion of new oak preserves the purity of the fruit while adding further structure to this Roussillon wine.

Grape variety

100% Grenache Noir from vines planted in 1914.