Our selection: Le Mazel Estate

The Le Mazel Estate is quietly nestled in Valvigneres, a small peaceful village in Southern Ardeche, right next to Alba-la-Romaine, and it produces one of the most enchanting Ardeche wines.

In 1983, Gerald and Jocelyne Oustric reopened this 20 hectare wine-growing estate (now 30 hectares), and like most wine-growers, they used to sell all their wine to the Valvigneres cooperative cellar. Yet the wines that this cellar carries, even if they're decent, don't reflect the style of wine that Gerald would like produce.

In 1997, a meeting with Marcel Lapierre and Jacques Neauport, both eulogists of natural wines, changed everything. Under their patronage, Gérald decided to change direction and produce wine from 7 of his hectares independently of the cooperative. Under the direction of Jacques Neauport, Gérald learned to produce wine without sulfur and make the most natural wine possible, creating wines that reflect the region and are easy to drink. In 2002, Gérald withdrew completely from the cooperative cellar and added the finishing touches to the 11 or so vintages he developed. All the vintages were turned into wine and treated in the same manner, bringing out the regional characteristic and the vine's personality.

Don't stop at the label « Ardèche Country Wines, »which sells little and is the label for Le Mazel wines. Try the fabulous « Mias » 2003 vintage - 100% Viognier, in white (about Euros); the « St. Philippe » 2003 vintage - in red, 100% Syrah under chalky soil, an incredible freshness for this canicular vintage (about Euros); the « Larmande » vintage - 100% Syrah under clay-calcareous soil, a complete regional expression (about Euros). And try the « It's important » 2006 vintage in red - a striking expression of the rare Portant vine, created about 35 years ago by Inra, based on black Grenache vines and blue Portugais vines (about Euros).

If you like unique wines that are digestible and have a crisp fruit taste, try the Le Mazel Estate wines. It will change your view on Ardèche wines!

Domaine de Mazel - Gérald and Jocelyne Oustric - Le Mazel - Valvigneres - Ph.: + 33(0)475 525 102

by  Laurent Turrel, © www.nuncbibendum.com