Wines Hérault Mas Gabriel - clos des papillons - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Mas Gabriel’s “Cuvée Clos des Papillons” 2024 is a white wine crafted under the Hérault IGP, located in the heart of Languedoc and Roussillon in southern France. This cuvée typically blends regional favourites such as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Vermentino, giving a wine that is both aromatic and fresh, expressive of its Mediterranean terroir. The 2024 vintage benefits from a season marked by ample sunshine, cool nights, and minimal rainfall, allowing gradual ripening and the preservation of vibrant acidity. Vinification at Mas Gabriel is attentive to detail, with manual harvesting and gentle pressing, often resulting in a wine that retains its fruit purity and shows a beautiful balance between richness and finesse.

The Languedoc and Roussillon region is a dynamic mosaic of terroirs marked by varied soils—limestone, clay, schist, and gravel—each imparting distinct mineral traits to the wines. With a history stretching back to Roman times, this area is renowned for its innovation and its ability to produce high-quality, characterful wines. The Mediterranean climate ensures long, warm summers and mild winters, while cooling breezes from the sea and the mountains help maintain freshness and aromatic intensity in the grapes.

Pairing wise, the “Clos des Papillons” blanc is highly versatile. Its lively citrus and white stone fruit notes, underlined by hints of Mediterranean herbs and a gentle salinity, make it ideal with seafood such as grilled sea bream, shellfish platters, or even seared scallops. It complements Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dishes like ratatouille or courgette and goat cheese tart beautifully. Regional cheeses such as Pélardon soft goat’s cheese offer a delightful combination as well.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10-12°C. Allowing it a few moments in the glass before sipping will let its aromatics develop and reveal the subtle complexity unique to this Hérault IGP offering. Enjoy it young to appreciate its freshness and aromatic intensity.