Domaine Mas Saint-Louis | An icon-to-be in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

In 2015, Bettane + Desseauve named Domaine Mas Saint-Louis their ‘discovery of the year’. It was described as an icon-to-be for the region. Listening to Matthieu Faurie-Grépon, current manager of the winery, there is no secret to this accolade aside form hard, precise graft, expressed in these uniquely fine and elegant wines.

Over 100 years ago, along the path linking Avignon to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Jean-Louis Geniest decided to group together the family’s land in order to vinify it. Over the course of generations, new purchases allowed for the expansion of this magnificence domain around the famous Mas Saint-Louis. Today, since the death of her husband Jean – the great grandson of Jean-Louis – we find Monique Geniest at the helm of the property. At 87 years old, she remains the chief decision-maker at the domain, visiting the winery and the vineyard to ensure the successful continuity of her family’s work. She is surrounded and supported by a solid team of experts. Matthieu Faurie-Grépon, the winery manager since 2011, has made huge progress in restructuring the domain, prioritising above all else a constant improvement in the quality of the soils and the plants. As well as this move towards more natural production, the equipment used has been modernised. “The clients who come to the domain after having seen our reviews never leave disappointed. They can all attest to the quality of the wines, their finesse, and their flavourful character” Matthieu explains in a jovial tone.

The domain produces three red cuvées: Châteauneuf-du-Pape « Tradition », Châteauneuf-du-Pape « Les Arpents des Contrebandiers », and Châteauneuf-du-Pape « Grande Réserve » which is made from the oldest vines, as well as one white cuvée since 2013. The vines are all located in the south of the appellation, in lieux-dits such as Crousroute and La Lionne. The main grape variety is Grenache, followed by Syrah and Mourvèdre. The stones in the vineyard take in the heat throughout the day to then give it back during the night, a process that ensure perfect maturation for the grapes that are then harvested by hand in September and October. After destemming, the grapes are put in traditional vats, some of which date back to the creation of the domain. The vinification process involves a long vatting for up to a month, in order to extract maximum colour and aroma, followed by a long maturation. The domain seeks to offer a wide range of vintages, with some clients preferring young and fruity Châteauneuf-du-Pape and others tending to appreciate their aging potential.

Bettane + Desseauve

“Our discovery from last year has this year confirmed its place as a future cult property for the region. The Saint-Louis area has not historically been the most reputed in the industry, but these wines all offer a refinement in both aroma and texture that speaks for itself. It’s difficult to imagine or find a more delicate expression of Châteauneuf than in this domain’s 2012 and 2011 vintages.”

Find the wines from Domaine Mas Saint-Louis for sale at iDealwine

There are three cuvées currently available:

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2014

This ruby red cuvée has a nose that carries notes of red fruits, citrus, and toasted scents. The palate is well-balanced, presenting freshness and delicate tannins.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Arpents des Contrebandiers 2014 + 2015

With a ruby red colour, the red fruit nose of this wine is accompanied by smoky notes. Its palate is ample and the tannins are delicate.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grande Réserve 2016

This ruby red cuvée is dark with hints of crimson. Its nose of candied red fruit goes nicely with its fern-like vegetal notes. Its palate is well-structured, not lacking in freshness, with enveloped tannins and a certain sweetness.