Mas Amiel : Altaïr 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Altaïr 2023 Mas Amiel

Tasting notes

Colour
The colour reveals a delicate, very pale yellow hue, illuminated by subtle green-white highlights.

Nose
Of great purity, the bouquet opens with delicate aromas of vine flowers and white flowers. It then evolves towards fruity notes of Conference pear and spiced apple, all underscored by a distinctive mineral thread evoking graphite, along with gentle touches of warm spices.

Palate
The palate offers a texture that is both elegant and crystalline in its purity. Carried by a vibrant acidity, the palate reveals a magnificent freshness, elevated by a fine iodine-tinged salinity. The finish seduces with its remarkable length and balance.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with oysters, a seafood platter or salmon tartare. It will also brilliantly accompany delicate fish, vegetable or seafood terrines, as well as fruity desserts based on pear.

Other characteristics

Part of the estate's natural collection, this cuvée is certified organic and cultivated according to biodynamic principles. This wine has also been praised by critics, notably earning a score of 94/100 from the Revue du Vin de France and 92/100 from James Suckling.

The mineral purity and elegance of a great white wine from Roussillon

The estate

Founded in 1816 following a card game won by Raymond Etienne Amiel, the Mas Amiel estate is a true institution of Roussillon, France. Historically renowned for its natural sweet wines, the estate took a decisive turn in 1999 when it was acquired by Olivier Decelle, its current owner. Under his direction and with the expertise of winemaker Nicolas Raffy, the estate has risen to the top by developing a range of high-quality dry wines. Backed by its biodynamic practices, Mas Amiel is now dedicated to revealing the purity of its terroirs.

The vineyard

Located about thirty kilometres from Perpignan, this terroir is part of the broader winegrowing landscape of the Côtes du Roussillon. The vines, over 70 years old, are planted in the Mas Las Fredes sector, characterised by calcareous-schist soils. This unique biotope, benefiting from 260 days of sunshine per year and swept by the Tramontane wind, allows for deep rooting. With low density and yields limited to 20 hectolitres per hectare, this biodynamically farmed vineyard fosters remarkable minerality and concentration.

Winemaking and aging

The Altaïr 2023 cuvée is the result of a highly non-interventionist approach. After manual harvesting, whole bunches are pressed directly. The juice is then lightly clarified through decanting. Fermentation begins naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place on fine lees for ten months, allowing the wine to gently refine until June following the harvest, thus preserving all the vibrant purity of the fruit.

Grape varieties

This wine is a blend of Grenache Blanc (40%), Grenache Gris (40%) and Macabeu (20%).