Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend

The famed 'first growth of the Languedoc', Mas de Daumas has been hugely influential in raising the reputation of the region. Founded in 1971 by a tanner from Millau and with the help of some big names in Bordeaux, Mas de Daumas soon found fame thanks to world-class winemaking pared with a unique terroir of glacial sandstone that is cooled by cold air descending from the Larzac plateau. 

The wine is something of an anomaly, eschewing the region's traditional grape varieties and focussing instead on the Bordeaux varieties alongside weird and wonderful cuttings brought from across the world (see below). Along with ageing in a mixture of new and old oak barriques, this is a Bordelaise wine through and through. If you're a fan of super-Tuscans then this is for you.  

Tasting notes: Bramble, plum, smoke, toast. Rich and full-bodied with powerful tannins. Decanting for 3-4hrs is recommended. 

Food pairing: A good match for similarly robust dishes. Try with roasted lamb or ragu. 

The Geeky Stuff

Grapes: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Pinot Noir, 2% Malbec, 4% rare grape varities : Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Montepulciano (Italy), Armigne (Switzerland), Arenie, Areni Noir (Armenia), Bastardo, Souzon (Portugal), Saperavi (Georgia), Tchkaveri, Tchekavesi (Georgia), Brancalleo (Galicia), Carmenere, Abouriou (old French grape varieties) and Plavac Mali (Croatia).

Viticulture: Practising organic

Harvesting: Hand

Yeast: Wild 

Elevage: 12-15mnths in a mixture of old and new small oak barrels

SO2: Yes

Natural: ❌