Wines Pyrénées-Atlantiques Mas de Daumas Gassac - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Mas de Daumas Gassac 2018 Rouges hails from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques IGP in the broader Pays de la Garonne subregion, part of France’s compelling Sud-Ouest. The estate is renowned for its avant-garde approach, blending classic Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon with Mediterranean grapes, resulting in complex, characterful wines. The 2018 vintage, shaped by a warm, generous season, manifests notable balance and aromatic vividness. The soils here—gravel, limestone, and sand, under the influence of the nearby Pyrenean foothills—afford depth, structure, and freshness that highlight the wine’s provenance. Mas de Daumas Gassac’s rigorous vineyard management and gentle vinification, often involving wild yeast fermentations and minimal intervention, further underline the wine’s authenticity and singular style.

The Sud-Ouest region represents a fascinating tapestry of microclimates and historical crosscurrents. The area around the Pyrénées-Atlantiques benefits from Atlantic breezes and protective mountain influences, creating a balance between sunshine and cooling ventilation. This, combined with the region’s alluvial soils and ancient viticultural heritage, empowers the growth of healthy, aromatic grapes. The region’s story is one of resilience, where small estates like Mas de Daumas Gassac have reinvigorated local winemaking traditions since the latter half of the twentieth century.

This 2018 rouge is medium to full-bodied with an expressive bouquet of blackcurrant, blackberry, dried herbs, and graphite, underpinned by fine-grained tannins and a savoury, mineral finish. It is particularly well suited to roasted or grilled red meats, duck breast with cherry sauce, or cassoulet, a celebrated dish of the Sud-Ouest. For a regional pairing, think confit de canard or garbure (a rustic southwestern soup). Mature cheeses such as Ossau-Iraty or Tomme des Pyrénées would also complement the wine’s depth.

Serve this wine at 16-18°C after a brief decantation, allowing it to reveal its layered aromatics and texture. This temperature provides the ideal balance between expressing freshness and unlocking the complexity of its bouquet. Enjoy as it evolves in your glass, promising a window into one of France’s most dynamic terroirs.