Mas Cal Demoura : Les Combariolles 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for Combariolles 2021 by Mas Cal Demoura

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby red color with violet highlights.

Nose

The nose opens with aromas of fresh red fruits, notably cherry and raspberry, accompanied by notes of Mediterranean herbs evoking thyme and garrigue. Nuances of sweet spices, pepper and licorice complete the bouquet, while a crystalline minerality brings freshness to the whole.

Palate

On the palate, this wine reveals an elegant and balanced structure, carried by silky, perfectly integrated tannins. The well-present acidity provides a persistent sensation of freshness that supports the entire tasting experience. The finish lingers remarkably, gradually unveiling notes of leather, light tobacco and a refined minerality characteristic of the limestone terroir of Terrasses du Larzac.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs ideally with grilled red meats, a leg of lamb with herbs of Provence or slow-cooked Mediterranean dishes. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses.

Serving and storage

It is recommended to serve this wine at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for one hour will allow its aromatic complexity to fully express itself.

An elegant and mineral red wine from Terrasses du Larzac

The estate

Founded in the early 1990s by Jean-Pierre Jullien, Mas Cal Demoura was taken over in 2004 by Isabelle and Vincent Goumard. This 16-hectare estate located in Jonquières in the Languedoc has established itself as a benchmark of the Terrasses du Larzac appellation. Certified organic since 2010 and subsequently biodynamic, the estate reflects a deep commitment to the authentic expression of the region's limestone and clay-limestone terroir.

The vineyard

The vines dedicated to Combariolles 2021 are planted on the exceptional terroirs of Terrasses du Larzac, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Montpellier. The soils, composed of limestone pebbles and clay-limestone formations, give the wines a distinctive minerality and remarkable aromatic depth. The Mediterranean climate is tempered by altitude and the proximity of mountain ranges, creating cool nights that preserve the natural acidity of the grapes. The vines, averaging 30 to 40 years of age, are farmed biodynamically with yields deliberately limited to between 15 and 25 hectoliters per hectare.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by a harsh winter with frost episodes affecting the French vineyard. A milder spring favored flowering in late May, followed by particularly rainy months of June and July. The weather instability observed between mid-July and mid-August required particular attention in the vineyard. Despite these contrasting conditions, the 2021 vintage stands out for its freshness and remarkable balance.

Winemaking and aging

The Mas Cal Demoura 2021 harvest is carried out by hand in small crates to preserve the integrity of the grapes. A double selection is performed, first in the vineyard and then on a sorting table in the cellar. Vinification is carried out plot by plot in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, allowing an authentic expression of the terroir. Maceration lasts between 15 and 45 days depending on the plots. Aging takes place over 12 months in demi-muids and French oak foudres, vessels that promote a subtle integration of oak. After blending, the wine benefits from an additional four months of aging before bottling.

Grape varieties

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault