The Chateau Massiac has a long history that dates back to the Roman Empire when this area was colonized by the Romans using the nearby Mediterranean port (30 kilometers) of Narbonne as an access point. In the 17th Century, two brothers from Massiac in the Auvergne region traversed the area in service to the King of Spain and eventually settled at this spot situated almost precisely halfway between the clock towers of the villages of Azille and Rieux Minervois. During the French Revolution, the “chateau” was burned to the ground.
Bernard Boudouresques and his family recently revived the domaine, planting vineyards and converting the estate to organic viticulture. Production from the estate is now (2012) certified organic. Massiac encompasses 21.5 hectares of vineyards, 8.5 of which produce the Minervois Rouge and 5 of which are the source for the two white wines classified as Vin de Pays d’Oc. The domaine lies at the extreme south of the Massif Centrale, effectively in the gently sloping foothills that lead to the Mediterranean coast which is not terribly distant. The subsoils are essentially limestone and clay with silex and marble infusions, all of which was formed during the Lutecian geologic era. This soil has particularly good drainage which accounts for the superior concentration that Massiac achieves in its wines. As well, the site is exposed to winds that sweep north from the Mediterranean and also the cooling northwest wind coming from the mountains known as Le Cers, which consistently dries the vineyard and makes it less vulnerable to the maladies of the vine.
The nose is rich and dark with scents of black plum, raspberry and wild berries rounded out by notes of spice box and incense. There are also ruminations of Gamay-like red fruits and hints of forest floor, lending further depth to the forementioned fruits and spice. There is good heft in the mouth but it's not heavy, as forward acidity and rounded tannins meld with sweet flavors of blackberry, cherry, red plum and balancing earthy, peppery spices. This is an ideal red for warm weather as it will highlight just about anything from the BBQ (along red meat lines and some seafood, like swordfish or tuna) and won't drag you down as the acidity keeps the wine spry. Brilliant fruit, elegant spice, great body. Syrah and Carignan.
Bernard Boudouresques and his family recently revived the domaine, planting vineyards and converting the estate to organic viticulture. Production from the estate is now (2012) certified organic. Massiac encompasses 21.5 hectares of vineyards, 8.5 of which produce the Minervois Rouge and 5 of which are the source for the two white wines classified as Vin de Pays d’Oc. The domaine lies at the extreme south of the Massif Centrale, effectively in the gently sloping foothills that lead to the Mediterranean coast which is not terribly distant. The subsoils are essentially limestone and clay with silex and marble infusions, all of which was formed during the Lutecian geologic era. This soil has particularly good drainage which accounts for the superior concentration that Massiac achieves in its wines. As well, the site is exposed to winds that sweep north from the Mediterranean and also the cooling northwest wind coming from the mountains known as Le Cers, which consistently dries the vineyard and makes it less vulnerable to the maladies of the vine.
The nose is rich and dark with scents of black plum, raspberry and wild berries rounded out by notes of spice box and incense. There are also ruminations of Gamay-like red fruits and hints of forest floor, lending further depth to the forementioned fruits and spice. There is good heft in the mouth but it's not heavy, as forward acidity and rounded tannins meld with sweet flavors of blackberry, cherry, red plum and balancing earthy, peppery spices. This is an ideal red for warm weather as it will highlight just about anything from the BBQ (along red meat lines and some seafood, like swordfish or tuna) and won't drag you down as the acidity keeps the wine spry. Brilliant fruit, elegant spice, great body. Syrah and Carignan.
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