A CONSERVATORY OF NATIVE GRAPE VARIETIES
Mas Amiel is a heaven of biodiversity. A vast estate stands up for the balance of plant and animal ecosystems. The presence of the grape varieties is not linked to a logic of yield but to their natural acclimatization to the climatic conditions of the Agly valley.
Grenache noir - the king grape variety of the region coexists with other culitvars like Carignan, Muscat, Macabeo and some of his very close relatives: Lladoner Pelit, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris all with a complex and
unique aromatic profile. These autochthonous grape varieties have
been perfectly adapted to our environment for thousands of years.
GRENACHE
The Catalan grape variety first appeared in the Middle Ages, Grenache is now the emblematic grape variety of MAS AMIEL. Perfectly adapted to the dry and windy climate of the region.
Planted and cultivated biodynamically on calcareous schists, this grape showcases floral and fruity dimension. For us, Grenache is our identity.
The venerable age of the vines (some from 1914 and 1949) and their long roots reaching deep into the schist for supplying all the needed water and nutrients give expressive, concentrated grapes resulting in complex and balanced wines.
GRENACHE GREY
Long disparaged by the region's winegrowers because of its low yields,
Grenache Grey is a flagship white grape variety of MAS AMIEL. Real revelation
of the terroir.
Handled with care and farmed biodynamically, this grape variety produces fine white wines. Vinified as
a fortified wine, the Grenache Gris become a white Maury: the Vintage Blanc. Grenache Gris also gives birth to our cuvée Altair.
This wine showcases the potential that can be obtained when the right grape variety is planted on perfectly adapted soils. The calcareous schist soils transmit this minerality, freshness,
salinity and profound aromatic complex
THE CARIGNAN
A long-neglected grape variety, Carignan is meticulously preserved by
Mas Amiel as a natural heritage. Carignan, like Grenache, is an
autochthonous grape variety. It thrives in a warm and dry environment on
calcareous schist.
Carignan provides frank acidity, aromatic intensity and structure. When the vines are aged, the Carignan develops aromatic depth, mineral length and roundness.
This is why MAS AMIEL pays particular attention to its old Carignan vines to produce exceptional cuvées such as ORIGINE and VOL DE NUIT.
MUSCAT
Muscat is frequently associated with conviviality, joy and sunshine. Originally from ancient Greece, it spread throughout the Mediterranean.This grape is famous for its crunchy and explosive fruits.
Grown on the schist soils of MAS AMIEL, these Muscats reveal a great aromatic diversity, from tart lemon to rich exotic fruit. But its strength remains its exceptional freshness.
LLADONER PELUT
Lladoner Pelut is a natural mutation of Grenache Noir. Or, perhaps the other way around! The two grape varieties are very close genetically. For a long time, Lladoner Pelut was one of the forgotten grape varieties like Carignan. The mission of Mas Amiel is to preserve the
natural diversity of historical grape varieties of the region.
Perfectly adapted to the MAS AMIEL terroir, the Lladoner Pelut is naturally resistant to the windy conditions. This
feature is even more reinforced by the goblet pruning method. This pruning
method contributes to a shorter sap path while allowing good air circulation and at the same time protecting the grapes from abundant sunshine during 260 days per year.
