Cape Classics announces its first foray into the Languedoc region with the addition of two new brands to its French portfolio: Mas Janeil and Domaine de La Réserve d’O.
These wines were crafted by producers François Lurton and Marie Chauffray respectively.
Lurton is the fifth generation of his family to be in the wine business in Bordeaux, with roots dating back to 1897, while Chauffray is a leader in biodynamic winemaking processes, the company says, serving as president of the Languedoc appellation.
With these additions, Cape Classics—known primarily for its import of South African wines—now has partnerships in four of the major grape growing regions in France, with over 50 labels between them all.
Maintaining a commitment to sustainable, earthy-friendly agriculture, Mas Janiel refrains from the use of pesticides and synthetic chemicals in the vineyards.
Located at the foot of a cliff dominated by the Chateau de Quéribus castle—on schist, slate and chalk soils—the estate produces wines that convey the unique characteristics of the terroir, the company says
In addition to upholding practices that respect the environment, Mas Janeil is working to minimize the use of sulphur in wines, and currently producing a sans soufre.
Their wines include (with winemaker’s notes):
- 2014 Mas Janeil Les Hauts de Janeil Grenache Sauvignon: Floral, truffle and brioche aromas lead to a balanced palate with the right amount of acidity that lingers on the finish. Vegan friendly. (SRP $12.99)
- 2014 Mas Janeil Les Hauts de Janeil Syrah-Grenache: A nose of black fruit and licorice is balanced with notes of strawberry and raspberry. The palate reveals roundness and tannins. Vegan friendly. (SRP $12.99)
- 2014 Le Petit Pas Pas Rouge: Notes of fruit mixed with spices and hints of licorice and smoke on the nose. Length and freshness. Vegan friendly. (SRP $16.99)
- 2012 Mas Janeil Côtes du Roussillon Villages: A concentrated nose of red fruit, figs, regional herbs and black pepper segues to a silky mouthfeel that has an underlying smoky character. Vegan friendly. (SRP $24.99)
Farming biodynamically since the inception of Domaine de La Réserve d’O in 2005, Marie Chauffray maintains wine production that respects nature and all its inhabitants, the company says. With a barrier made from plantings of trees, bushes and flowers, Réserve d’O’s vineyards are protected from its non-organic neighbors.
Furthermore, Chaffray follows the solar cycles and only bottles wine at the optimal time of day.
Their wines include (with winemaker’s notes):
- 2012 Domaine de La Réserve d’O “Reserve d’O”: Notes of blueberries and black cherry mingle with tapenade and white pepper. Hints of brine and floral characteristics are supported by structured minerality. Ecocert certified organic. (SRP $29.99)
- 2011 Domaine de La Réserve d’O “Hissez O”: The stony, clay and limestone terroir is evident in the minerality. Notes of raspberry, licorice, and smoked meat lead to a long, pepper filled finish. Ecocert certified organic. (SRP $34.99)
