Domaine des Masques “Syrahdictive”
IGP MÉDITERANÉE, FRANCE | 2018
I’m thrilled to have sourced this wine for February’s wine club. Finding rare gems like this and securing enough to feature makes the job so rewarding! Domaine des Masques, a stunning 25-hectare organically farmed estate in Aix-en-Provence’s Cengle plateau, produces six distinct wines while also cultivating olives and essential oils from their estate’s flowers. Planted after a devastating fire in 1989, the vines have flourished under vignerons Sophie and Carl Mestdagh’s stewardship since 2003. The estate’s windswept, sun-drenched microclimate and clay-limestone soils yield wines of exceptional finesse and complexity, perfectly expressing their high-altitude terroir. "Syrahdictive" is an iconic cuvée of Domaine des Masques only produced in exceptional vintages, each adorned with unique artwork and signed by the artist.
The geological makeup of the Cengle plateau, resting on Lutetian limestone, is integral to these wines’ character. The rocky, well-draining soils push vines to take deep root, enhancing structure and minerality. At 500 meters, the vineyard enjoys cooler temperatures, allowing for a slow, even ripening process that preserves acidity and aromatic depth. Shielded from maritime influences by surrounding mountain ranges, the region’s semi-continental climate extends the growing season and naturally protects against disease. This pristine environment fosters biodiversity, reinforcing the resilience and elegance of the estate’s wines.
The name "Les Masques" stems from local folklore - Lei Masquos were legendary witches of Provence, both feared and revered for their medicinal knowledge. The Cengle plateau, rich in diverse flora, was a gathering place for these healers, who sought rare plants like medicinal poppies for their remedies. This mystical heritage lingers in the estate’s name, a perfect reflection of the magic captured in each bottle.
"Syrahdictive" is composed of 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier and undergoes meticulous plot selection, manual harvesting, and careful oak maturation, enhancing the northern Syrah character. It opens with aromas of leather, wild herbs, and forest floor, evolving into vibrant notes of raspberry, blood orange, and balsamic. The palate is fresh, supple, and layered with red fruits, eucalyptus, and floral undertones. Having aged for seven years, it’s beautifully unfolding but still has great cellaring potential. This would pair exquisitely with grilled rack of lamb or French lentils with sea salt and Herbes de Provence.