Domaines Paul Mas U.S. Press Jan.-Sept. 2017

July 20, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

It’s the Last Week of #TDF2017: Pour Some Rosé and Get Ready for the
Drama!

Lauren Walsh

On Friday, Stage 19 sends the peloton south, toward the sunny fields of Provence and the birthplace of
Nostradamus, famous astrologer and physician. The course route flattens a bit here, giving some relief to
the sprinters who’ve been tortured in the Alps the past few days. Saturday brings a time trial, in which
each rider races alone against the clock. Not thrilling, really, but the landscape of Southern France brings
other reasons to watch. In my opinion, it’s the perfect occasion to pour yourself a glass of refreshing rosé
and toast the riders as they speed by.

Provence is world-famous for its pale pink wines; indeed the word rosé itself transports many of us –
virtually, at least – to the southern shores of France where the Mediterranean beckons us to slow down,
unplug, and enjoy the good life. And while rosé is practically synonymous with the region, there are some
kick-ass pink wines made elsewhere: for example, the Languedoc to the west is a treasure trove of high-
quality wines that represent great values. Spain makes some amazing rosados, too; wines that run the
gamut from simple, Garnacha-based quaffers to sophisticated sippers from Tempranillo. And the good-
old U S of A is no slouch in this department either: think Napa Valley and Mendocino.

Rosé and #WineStudio – A Grand Tradition

I was thrilled to participate in #WineStudio’s June program featuring rosé wines from around the globe. If
you haven’t heard of #WineStudio or its creator, Tina Morey, do please visit the website and learn more:
it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about wines directly from the producers in an interactive forum with
other wine enthusiasts. Each month we delve into a new region, style, or variety – June’s program was all
about rosé.

This was my first rosé rodeo with the group and it’s easy to see why people love it. Start with the promise
of summer and three months of balmy weather to come. Gather together a few wine aficionados and a
winemaker or two, and add some delicious bottles of refreshing rosé. Now there’s a recipe for unabated
joy!

We sampled six bottles in total: three from France; two from California; and one from Spain. Here are my
notes on each:

FRANCE: Domaines Paul Mas

Driven by a philosophy he calls Luxe Rural, Jean-Claude Mas crafts his wines with an eye toward
appreciating life’s simple pleasures: that which Nature provides unbidden; things we need to slow down to
experience in full. The three wines we tasted fall effortlessly into that category. They’re wines for sitting on
the back porch in August, listening to the crickets and watching the fireflies. Or for sharing with an old
friend as you reminisce about secrets of old. Can you tell I like these wines a lot? Read on for the details.

NV Côte Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut St. Hilaire (12% abv; $15.99 SRP)
A blend of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, and 10% Pinot Noir, this is a pale pink sparkling wine
from Limoux, the birthplace of bubbles in France. It is part of the larger Languedoc region on the
southwest Mediterranean coast, just at the base of the Pyrénées Mountains. Made via the same method
used to produce Champagne, this wine is a feast for the eyes, nose, and mouth. A stunner!
It’s pale pink with a fragrant nose of berries and white peaches that gives way to crisp raspberry and
lemon-peel on the palate. I can’t think of a more enjoyable way to celebrate a holiday – or a Tour de
France win – than with a glass of this overachieving rosé sparkler.

2016 Arrogant Frog Rosé (13% abv; $9.99 SRP)
Made from 100% Syrah, this wine is made via the saignée method, in which free-run juice is drained off
from red wine grapes, then vinified like a white wine. Blah, blah, blah. Bottom line? This rosé is just plain
delicious. Carrying the IGP Pays d’Oc appellation, Arrogant Frog combines solid winemaking techniques,
high-quality grapes, creativity, and some tongue-in-cheek humor to show what wines from this region are
all about: simple pleasures.

A deep, pink-red, this wine invites you to cast off your cares, prop up your feet, and enjoy the long days of
summer. Beautiful aromas of cherry, blackberry, and thyme will have you dreaming of France; a sip will
have you booking your flight.

2016 Cote Mas Rosé Aurore (12.5% abv; SRP $10.99 for one-liter bottle)
A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 20% Syrah, this one is for the hedonists who love a deeply-
colored, full-bodied, full-on-flirty rosé. Hey, there’s a time and a place for the pale pink, pretty-and-proper
rosés, and I adore them. But some nights call for a no-holds-barred, get-the-party-started bottle. The
Rosé Aurore is that wine. Invite your best girlfriends over for a charcuterie/cheese plate and a couple
bottles of this, and see what happens. You might have evolved past making prank phone calls and
braiding each other’s hair, but you’ll feel like you’re 15 again – in a good way!
On the nose, there are intense aromas of cherry and strawberry underpinned by a little citrus and herb. A
taste reveals round, red fruit kept honest by bright acidity. It’s fun in a bottle, plain and simple. Warning: it
goes down easily; buy it by the case and you won’t be sorry.

July 13, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Three Beautiful Rosé To Fit Any Budget

Anatoli Levine

Can I give you a small piece of wine advice? I promise it will be short and simple. Here it goes: if you are
looking for an excellent value wine, look for the wines of Domaines Paul Mas from France. That’s it. End of
the advice. And I can pretty much finish the post right here as this was my main point for today.

I discovered the wines of Paul Mas 4-5 years ago, and ever since, they were my perennial favorites. Red,
White, Rosé, Sparkling – I tried many of the wines (here are a few links – reds, sparkling) and they always
delivered – at a great QPR, whether you are buying them at a store or at a restaurant. “Affordable luxury”
is a perfect definition for Paul Mas wines, as these wines deliver a great value – without the need to rob the
bank or borrow from 401k.

The story of Domaines Paul Mas started in 1892 in the small town of Pézenas in Languedoc (Pézenas’s
fame is usually associated with the famous French playwright Molière). The modern part of the history of
Domaines Paul Mas, however, is associated with Jean-Claude Mas, who fell in love with winemaking at the
age of 3 (yep, and if you want the whole story, you can read it here). Jean-Claude Mas is often credited as
a pioneer who is working hard to change the winemaking in Languedoc from the focus on the quantity to
the focus on the quality, to bring Languedoc to the old glory of 2000 years of winemaking.

The wines I want to talk about today are happened to be all … Rosé. I don’t know if this is an effect of
summer, but it seems that the pages of this blog are lately nicely colored in pink. Nevertheless, the wines
below are well worthy of your attention and deliver a great value which is really hard to beat. Here we go:

2016 Paul Mas Rosé Aurore Pays d’Oc (13% ABV, $8, 1L, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, 50% Grenache
Noir)
C: beautiful pale pink, light salmon
N: touch of fresh strawberries, gentle, medium intensity.
P: strawberries all the way, perfect balance, nice, refreshing, clean.
V: 8, outstanding, just perfect.

2016 Arrogant Frog Rosé Lily Pad Pink Pays d’Oc (13% ABV, $8, 100% Syrah)
C: bright pink, intense but without getting into reddish hues
N: strawberries, medium intensity.
P: strawberries with touch of lime, good acidity, good balance.
V: 7+, perfect everyday Rosé

NV Coté Mas Rosé Brut Crémant de Limoux (12% ABV, $15, 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc,
10% Pinot Noir)
C: beautiful bright pink
N: toasted bread notes, crisp, fresh
P: fresh, clean, lemon, tart strawberries
V: 8, outstanding Rosé sparkling, will compete with any Champagne

June 14, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Rosé Overrules Summertime Heat: New Favorites From France and Spain

Dave Nershi

This might be the Rosé Summer. Store shelves are bursting with pink concoctions. In our opinion, the
quality of rosé has never been better.
It’s Rosé Weather
We really didn’t need another sign, but there it was. Record-breaking heat in
Ohio pushed the thermometer to 96 degrees. If you don’t want to be confined
to the indoors, there is only one proper solution: chilled rosé. Through a recent
Wine Studio education program we were able to taste a quartet of rosé
offerings. We added a fifth – just because it’s what we do!
Domaines Paul Mas has about 1,500 acres in France’s Languedoc region in
the south of France. Mas has agreements with other vineyards totaling about
twice that amount in acreage. Languedoc, hugged by the Mediterranean to the
south and mountains to the north, is known for its diverse terrain. Domaines

Mas has access to 40 different grape varieties.

We sampled a rosé trio from two Domaines Mas Brands. We started our journey
with the 2016 Arrogant Frog Rosé paired with turkey tenderloin and cranberry
reduction, maple glazed sweet potatoes and asparagus. One of the joys of rosé
is that it pairs with a vast array of entrees. An exception would be a heavy steak
– that’s Cabernet territory.

Arrogant Frog delivers a lot of arrogance for only $10 SRP. It is 100% Syrah and is rich with cherry and
floral flavors. Like the other Domaines Mas rosé we sampled, it has a screw closure – that’s no problem
with us. This is a wine intended to be consumed while young.

Attesting to the range of Domaines Mas is the Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut NV St. Hilaire.
Limoux is know for sparkling wine and this crémant is a fun blend of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin and
10% Pinot Noir.

Bubbly rosé is a double treat. This is elegant and playful. The price is also
easy to swallow at $16. The stream of bubbles was long-lived, but not very
vigorous.

Our Domaines Mas trio wrapped up with the 2016 Coté Mas Rosé Aurore,
which has a Sud de France appellation. It is priced at $11, but is in a liter bottle
– giving you a third more than the 750 ML standard bottle. It is made with 50%
Grenache Noir, 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah. These are typical
Mediterranean varieties. The bottle aims to embody the “rural luxury” motto of
Paul Mas. I found this to be more flavorful than the Arrogant Frog – but my
wife favored the Frog. The packaging gives you a bit more vino but is
sufficiently cool that it never feels like “jug wine.”

We continued with our tour of France with a rosé from Cotés de Provence.
Eighty-eight percent of the wine produced in Provence is rosé – so this region
is always a good option for you. Our pick was the 2016 Sables d’Azur. It also
is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. It is a delightful light peach color
and is spritely on the palate.

Our tour of rosé crossed the border into neighboring Spain, with Hacienda de
Arinzano Rosé 2016 from Arinzano. We had a chance to sample some
knockout reds from Arinzano. This rosé was most interesting since it is 100%
Tempranillo.

From the get-go, this wine was different from the others we had sampled. This
rosado (as the Spanish call it) was a deep pink-red in the glass. On the palate
the flavors were elevated and more intense than the French rosé.

Arinzano has been designated a Pago, which is the highest classification in the
Spanish wine system. Pago is a term reserved for the very best vineyards, and

so far there are only 14 of them in all of Spain.

The Arinzano rosé delivered superb freshness, acidity and rich flavors. This
would be a good pick for a red wine lover who is unsure about trying rosé. At
$20, it’s another great value.

There you have it – a quintet of wines to equip your summer survival kit. One
final suggestion. Your rosé should be chilled sufficiently to provide refreshment, but be warm enough to
allow the flavors to shine. A good way to do this is to take your bottles out of the refrigerator to sit for about
five minutes before serving.

August 11, 2017
Circulation: 30,000

Pair Rose with…(Keep it Simple)

Cindy Rynning

Every winelover knows that a lovely glass of rosé is perfect for any season, not only on a sweltering summer
day. Across the globe, people are clinking glasses of this delicious wine that expresses a myriad of flavors
at any given moment.

Whether your favorite rosé is crafted from one or more of a wide range of grapes (Pinot Noir, Grenache,
Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Zinfandel…), and is dry or bubbly, sweet or tart, there’s
a delectable dish just waiting to complement your choice. Sometimes, though, we find ourselves wondering
what that perfect pairing should be. Should we consider a recipe that’s a snap to create or choose one
that’s a bit more complicated? Cue #winePW!

The #winePW group is a savvy band of winelovers and foodies that meets the second Saturday of each
month on Twitter to share delicious food and wines combos that fit a theme. This month’s topic is, you
guessed it, “Rosé and …” Please join us Saturday, August 12 at 11am EST and use the hashtag #winePW
as we tweet about our favorite dishes that bring out the best of our beloved choice of rosé. I hope to see
you then and read your thoughts!

Lately, it seems that a glass of rosé is in my hand more often than not! Regardless of the weather (hot and
sunny, cool and rainy, or somewhere in between), you can find me on my back porch or on the boat with a
chilled glass of rosé while I read a page-turner for the next book club, chat with dear friends and family, or
appreciate the Chicago skyline from the water. Although these endeavors are simple, they are moments to
cherish.
Among the many choices I have, I’ve been enjoying lovely, affordable selections from the Languedoc in the
south of France. In particular, two absolutely delicious, easy drinking rosés (sent as samples) from Jean-

Claude Mas, fourth generation wine grower and first generation vigneron of Domaines Paul Mas, have been
poured…and poured again. With each sip, I’m reminded of how much I love this stunning country.
According to Languedoc native Jean-Claude Mas, “Languedoc is a destination for fine rosé, thanks to the
wide variety of soils and ideal varietals.” His mission is to “use only premium quality grapes to craft superior
wines with a modern, New World flair.” Mas took over the small family property in 2000 and actively reduced
yields by 50% in order to assure higher quality. And, of course, Jean-Claude Mas is a firm believer in the
versatility of rosé as a pairing for a plethora of dishes and occasions.
Côté Mas Rosé Aurore 2016 ($10.99 for 1 liter) – This charming wine of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and
20% Syrah cultivated on clay and limestone soil, prompted the question: what’s not to love about this
amazing value and palate profile? I found clean and fresh aromas of freshly picked peonies, a basket of
juicy raspberries, and a hint of cherries. Flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and soft candied fruit were
enhanced by mouthwatering acidity and the most gentle of tannins.

Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut NV St. Hilaire ($15.99) – As soon as I popped the cork on this
enchanting sparkling wine from the Languedoc, I knew that this would be incredible…the tiny, dancing
bubbles were in a frenzy! Grape varieties of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, and 10% Pinot Noir
were grown on clay and limestone soils at 820 to 920 feet above sea level. The production technique is like
that of Champagne, méthode traditionelle. And those aromas! Subtle red fruit, exotic spice, peach, and
apricot notes were a lovely entry. On the palate, I discovered bright acidity and a round mouthfeel with
minerality, tart grapefruit, and hint of orange peel. Another glass, please!

Food friendly? YES! Rosé is one of most food friendly wines on the planet. But often, my most successful
pairings are uncomplicated. A platter laden with French cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruit, and almonds was

my latest offering that met with accolades all around. The pairing was so simple, I was able to share more
time with my family and friends…and another lovely glass of Rosé from Côté Mas.

August 12, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Wine Reviews: International Grab Bag

Isaac Baker

I’m back with another grab bag of wines from all over the world.

There are some tasty, inexpensive rosés, and some delicious and value-driven wines from New Zealand.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2016 Les Domaines Paul Mas Cote Mas Rosé Aurore- France, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de Pays d’Oc
SRP: $11/1L
Pale watermelon color. Smells like rose hips, watermelon rind, white tea, some honey and clove, too. Plump
but fresh with a bright and fun personality, vibrant and fruity with strawberries and white cherries. A nice
kick of white pepper, nettle and cut flower stems. Solid one-liter buy that should be a hit at parties. 50%
Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah. (86 points IJB)

N.V. Cote Mas Crémant de Limoux Brut Rosé- France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Crémant de
Limoux
SRP: $15
Light copper color. Bright aromas of strawberries, watermelon, quince, some freshly baked biscuits. Tart
and a bit lean in body but bright acidity, fine bubbles, lots of fresh red fruits (cherries, strawberry, apple),
along with some seashell and baby’s breath, hints of biscuits. Not too complex but put together very well,
and quite delicious. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. (87 points IJB)

2016 Jean-Claude Mas Arrogant Frog Lily Pad Pink Rosé- France, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de Pays
d’Oc
SRP: $7
Light watermelon color. Red and white flowers on the nose along with under-ripe strawberries, sweet roses
and honeysuckle. Zesty and bracing, a bit sharp with white cherries, red apple peel and under-ripe

strawberry tips. Leafy, white pepper notes. Fun but not the most balanced rose. 100% Syrah.

May 16, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Rosé Calling – It’s That Time of Year

Christy Canterbury

85
Côte Mas 2016 Rosé Aurore Pays d’Oc IGP 13% $11 (1 Liter)
This is a gulpable blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah. By the way, if you think an
“85” isn’t good, know I am ready to disagree. In my lingo, an “85” is something that is easily sippable,
usually not super complex but absolutely fine to share with family and friends that are less picky about
their wines. I wouldn’t lead people I want to keep around astray!

This is a soft, creamy, pliable and accessible rosé with plush fruit that starts out a bit candied (especially
with too much chill) but relaxes as the wine is poured out over a few hours (and typically warms up). What
is initially strawberry Jolly Rancher becomes strawberry cordial. There’s perfectly fine aromatic and palate
fruit intensity here with a touch of minerality and a raspily green herb character.

Moreover, the oversized format is fun, and the retro font looks cool. This is a great wine for festive
gatherings as the temperatures rise.

Drink: 2017-18

87
Côté Mas NV Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut 12% $16
I recently learned that Limoux was the second most-imported-to-the-USA French, traditional method
sparkler after Champagne. Who knew?

This one is a blend of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc and 10% Pinot Noir – extremely classic for
this south-western France appellation. This bubbly has that come-hither, salmon-inflected, pink-rose rose
color with a nose of old, rose hip-inflected potpourri. It tastes of crushed strawberries and dried
cranberries, all of which are lifted by a delightfully lively, palate-caressing mousse. This is fun and
approachable, and it really shouldn’t have to work much past that to charm most of its consumers.

Were I to say one thing about Crémants from France, it would be that most are exceedingly “minerally”.
This is typically a desired character in wines from cooler climates or vintages as well as the Old World in
general, yet it can verge on the unripe. This is especially true in sparkling wines, which are harvested
earlier than still wines as they go through two fermentations (even if the second only raises the final
alcoholic degree by – mostly – well less than a percentage point.) Whereas many crémant regions
produce wines on the precipe of “interesting”, Limoux very consistently makes fun juice.

Drink: 2017-19

June 8, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Rose Wine from Lodi and France: Pair with Grilled Tuna, Fruit for Taco Tues

Gwendolyn Alley

Taco Tuesday! Rose Day! Judgment of Lodi! #WineStudio!
What do these have in common?

1. Rose Day is the second Saturday of June; in 2017, that is Sat. June 10.
2. Last weekend I was on a press trip to Lodi CA where I bought a case of wine, including four bottles

of ROSE!
3. Lodi Wine Commission recently did a blind tasting that compared Lodi wines with those from other

parts of the world to see how they measured up; read Nancy Brazil’s report on it here.
4. We bought a whole tuna in May so that we could make tuna tacos for Taco Tuesday to pair with

rose.
5. #WineStudio this month features rose, and on June 6, we had three samples from Paul Mas.
6. #WinePW has a grillables theme that got us going on the grill.
The blind tasting we did of five rose wines from around the world was FUN!
So for this month’s Taco Tuesday post, we celebrated rose day early with a comparison of two rose wines
from France with two rose wines from Lodi a las the Judgement of Paris aka the Judgement of Lodi and
paired them with grilled ahi tuna with grilled fruit. Read on for the results!

The Menu

 Chips, Salsa, and Homemade Guacamole with Cumin and Olive Drop Chile EVOO
 Grilled Zucchini with Olive Drop Balsamic Vinegar and Lemon EVOO
 Strawberries on Rosemary Skewers with Balsamic and Basil EVOO
 Tacos: Grilled tuna, grilled stone fruit, blueberry goat cheese, Great Basin Bakery spiced walnuts,

Olive Drop Chile EVOO, baby greens, folded into Trader Joe’s handmade corn tortillas.
The sweet, succulent, sensuous, and savory flavors of the grilled tuna with the grilled fruit were a fabulous
match for these delicate, floral, fruity, fresh rose wines.

The Wines

2016 – Acquiesce – Grenache Rose – Lodi – 13.3% $24
2016 – Arrogant Frog – Rose (Lily Pad Pink: Syrah) – Sud De France – 13% alcohol – SRP $10
2016 – Cote Mas – Rose Aurore (Rhone Blend) – Sud de France – 13% alcohol – SRP $10
2016 – McCay – Rose of Grenache – 12.5% alcohol SRP $18

We were sent the two French wines to participate in #WineStudio. As they are Grenache and Syrah wines,
we went with the rose of Grenache wines from Lodi as opposed to the Zinfandel ones I bought. I also had
a sample of M. Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche Rose 2015 which retails for $15; I suspect this
would have been a better match for the comparative tasting but as we already had three rose open for the
twitter chat, and planned to open two from Lodi, we were a bit reluctant to open another and I lacked room
to chill it in the fridge!

What wine glass should you use and what temperature should you serve your rose wine?

I’ve tried rose wine in every glass imaginable, and at every temperature from room to cellar temperature to
icy cold from the fridge. Last weekend in Lodi, at least one winemaker said to serve rose at cellar
temperature — that we should treat it more like the red wine that the grapes are sourced from than a white
wine. So during our June 6, 2017 #WineStudio twitter tasting, I asked #WineStudio folks and Paul Mas
winemaker Jean-Claude Mas about his thoughts on wine temp as well as glasses. His response?

“Rose should be the same temp as white wine: start cooler than the cellar at refrigerator temp and let it
come up on the table,” advises Jean-Claude Mas.

Temperature-wise, #WineStudio folks had a wide range of responses like mine, and one thing we all
appreciated is that if it’s a bit cold, no worries with rose: let it sit out and warm up and enjoy the variances!
This makes rose ideal for a party or picnic because no need to worry about the ice bucket!

I found that these wines were at their best in a Lennox Pinot Grigio glass.
Blind tasting Rose
Three of the four bottles were screw top; I had a pretty good idea which was the wine with the cork and the
distinct bottle shape but Sue had no idea about any of them.
“Damn we are good sometimes,” said Sue. “We guessed right about which wines were French and which
were from Lodi.”
#1 – 2016 – McCay – Rose of Grenache – 12.5% alcohol SRP $18 (sample)
When you talk about summer in a glass, this wine is redolent of summer fruit, peach and apricots with a lot
of richness and fullness on the palate. It has a lot of body and character for a rose. This is a rich wine: as it
rests on your palate it warms to it and embraces it.
You can see by the color that is a rose, i.e. a white wine made of red grapes; it’s a lovely rosey gold. On
the palate, in addition to the stone fruit, it offers tropical fruit, melon, and banana with baking spices on the
finish at the very end of the finish.
We both felt that this was the Lodi wine due to the big fruit forwardness and the boldness of the fruit.
This wine can stand up to our tuna, with all the oils and flavors that were going on in our tacos, fruit, pumpkin
pie spice; this led us to believe this would be fantastic with ham. Our tacos brought out a salinity in the wine
that was not prevalent prior to having this wine with food. This would also be a great brunch wine.
From the McKay website: This Dry Rose’ of Grenache exhibits notes of Strawberry, Stone Peach with hints
of Red Ruby Grapefruit. Well balanced and round through the palate crafted in a traditional old world style
using Native fermentation and produced in stainless steel. Appellation: Lodi Alcohol: 12.5% Residual
Sugar: Dry Bottling Date: 3/21/16, Production: 453 cases / Native Fermentation by Winemaker: Michael J
McCay.

#2 -2016 – Cote Mas – Rose Aurore – Sud de France – 13% alcohol SRP $11 for 1 liter (sample)
Blend of 30% Cinsault 20% Syrah, 50% Grenache Noir
Paler in color than #1, almost like a baby pink, a pastel, baby shower pink. It offers more minerals and citrus
on the nose, slight cinnamon, and carnation.
We guessed this was a French rose even before we asked each other where it was from because it is very
clean and crisp, with lots of minerals and citrus.
It is very light in body and just a tad bit of fruit and floral come out on the palate, but still citrus and mineral;
fruit is not evident. This is a very light wine and may not stand up to bigger bolder flavors. Save it for your

more subtle picnic fare like an egg or chicken salad sandwich. Seems like it would do well with fresh garden
herbs.
A bit more minerality came out in the wine when paired with food but it did not stand up well with our tacos
or even marry the flavors.
This is a fun friendly wine: a pool party wine, because you are not always eating when you are swimming!
Our food did not enhance this wine. If you pair food with this wine it needs foods that are not rich or fat with
oil. I would be curious how it would go with oysters… and it is definitely better and more refreshing when it
is cold!
Easy to drink and enjoy. Great for a party as long as people aren’t expecting it to taste sweet like white zin!

# 3 – 2016 – Arrogant Frog – Rose (Lily Pad Pink) – Sud De France – 13% alcohol – Under $10 (sample)
100% syrah
Very catchy label. Love the picture of the frog standing in the vineyard! For the price this is an amazing
wine!
This wine is extremely subtle in character, in color, a pale pretty pink, on the nose, very delicate and slightly
discernible, herbal nose and a hint of rose, but did not know if that was from the power of suggestion with
the roses sitting on the table and the name of the wine! On the palate, this wine is light, fresh and clean. If
we were to have put these in an order we should have placed this first.
Our guess was that this wine was French because of the crisp, subtle flavors.
This wine went very well with our tuna tacos with all of the crazy flavors going on, It worked. It would also
go great with chicken and snapper, what a great summer sipper. Very nice wine with picnic food. Serve this
wine with a watermelon, mint and feta salad

#4 – 2016 – Acquiesce – Grenache Rose – Lodi – 13.3% SRP $24 (purchase; industry discount)
I met the winemaker Sue Tipton on my recent trip to Lodi, tasted this wine, fell in love, and knew I waned
to write about it for Rose Day.
This is not as dark as the McKay but richer color than the French wines: deeper pink, yet still light like a
rose.
“love this bottle, love this label, love this wine”
You might pay a bit more, for the beautiful bottle but it makes you feel pretty.

We found that the Lodi roses were deeper in color, but this wine is very different than the other three; it’s
in a category all its own, and in fact it earned 90 Points plus Editor’s Choice from Wine Enthusiast and the
wine sells out every year.

We noticed a slight bit of effervescence upon opening but that effervescence faded immediately; the bit of
effervescence may be because of recent bottling of this wine Fruit in the mouth for us was cherry,
particularly rainier cherries, plus minerality — more clay than stone, more silt and mud, than rock or sand.

We felt that this was also a Lodi wine, even though I felt that it was more French than other rose. There’s a
fleshiness on the palate, and a beauty and a balance.

The lovely slight spiciness of the chili oil, the sweetness of the grilled fruit and the wine was so beautiful, It
can handle complex foods, it brings out different complexities of the wine. You want to eat and sip then sip
and eat and enjoy everything the food and the wine has to offer. Also went nicely with our grilled
strawberries.

May 4, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Bargain-hunting in the Costco wine department

Laurie Daniel

My local Costco (Santa Cruz, Calif.) carries an impressive array of wines, everything from Dom Perignon
Champagne to some pricey California bottles (including some in magnums) to Kirkland-brand everything to
niche products from the Santa Cruz Mountains, which is the local AVA. Lately I’ve been trolling for bargains,
especially wines that are under $10. In that category, it can be hit-or-miss, and there have definitely been
some misses (though nothing truly terrible).

But there have been some hits, too. Take the 2016 Côté Mas Blanc Mediterranée, a southern French blend
of grenache blanc, vermentino, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, which carries a nearly unbelievable price
of $5 for a liter. It’s fresh and lively, with grapefruit and white nectarine flavors, a bare hint of dried
herb/garrigue and some fleshiness. The wine is produced by Domaine Paul Mas in Languedoc, and it’s
ideal for sipping on the deck or patio this summer.

July 14, 2017
Circulation: 330,000

Rose All Day with Domaines Paul Mas

Debbie Gioquindo

The Languedoc region is home to a variety of soil types and variety of grapes which makes it a great region
to produce Rose wine both still and sparkling. It is also home to Limoux which is known as the birthplace
for sparkling wine in France dating back to 1554. Who to make better wines from this region but Jean-
Claude Mas who created Domaine Paul Mas in 2000 after being left 35 hectares of vineyards from his
father Paul Mas.

Jean-Claud is a forth generation grape grower and first generation winemaker. He believes luxury doesn’t
alway equate to quality. He says “We are all about quality, which is, by its nature luxurious.” His wines are
the result of his mission to inspire real emotions.

Cote Mas Rose Aurore 2016 is a Rose blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 20% Syrah. The wine
had a very right floral aromas coming from the glass along with honeysuckle and liliac. In the glass were
flavors of red raspberry, apricot, peach, pomello. This was a really nice wine and my 22 year old daughter
really like it as well. Always nice when I can share the wine with her and get her opinion. I love the label on
this wine and the Arrogant Frog! This wine comes in liter bottle so you are getting more and the price SRP
is $10.99. A definite wine to bring to the summer BBQ.

Arrogant Frog Rose 2016. I love the name of this wine, the label and what’s in the bottle. This is 100%
Syrah. Jean Claude Mas says “Arrogant Frog is a play on words, but still seriously good wine for a not-
serious price.” Floral notes with strawberry lead the way to cherry, strawberry some minerality where the
wine dances on the palate and a bit of spice that pops up on the finish and then disappears. Kind of what
an arrogant frog would do. The SRP is $9.99. I paired this with a spicy hot dog. What you have to do when
your home alone and need to go grocery shopping.

Cote Mas Cremant de Limoux Rose NV this is a great value sparkling wine made with 70% Chardonnay,
20% Chenin Blanc and 10% Pinot Noir. Nice soft mouth feel leads to strawberries, raspberries hint of citrus
and stone fruit. I took this to the beach and had a picnic with shrimp burrito. Nice pairing! SRP $15.99
I wouldn’t hesitate picking up any of these wines. They are affordable, delicious and food friendly.

May 19, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

NV Cote Mas Brut Rose Cremant de Limoux St. Hilaire

Catherine Fallis

NV Cote Mas Brut Rose Cremant de Limoux AOP

Languedoc France 90
12%, 750 ml, $15.99

Lemony fresh, delicate and dry with notes of pink grapefruit,
lemon sorbet, violet and raspberry.

May 19, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

2015 Mas Astelia Rose Pastel Pays d’Oc Sud de France

Catherine Fallis

2015 Astelia Pays d'Oc IGP Sud de France

France 88

13%, 750 ml, $15.99

Creamy, smooth, soft and fresh with notes of strawberry,
raspberry, dried herbs and lily.



July 29, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

2014 Château Paul Mas Clos des Mûres, Languedoc, France

Pamela Heiligenthal

The wines produced in the Languedoc region of France are some of the most beautiful and underrated
wines of France. The wines are terrific values and huge palate pleasers. This wine is a smooth, smoky
and seductive blend of 85% Syrah, 10% Grenache and 5% Mouvedre that brings a lot of complexity and
pleasure to the dinner table.
Floral notes, anise and tar round out the desirable aromatic profile with flavors of dark berries, plum and
chocolate. Smoke and plum flavors linger on the slightly chewy tannic finish. Roasted Saddle of Rabbit
Galette or Cassoulet will pair well with this full bodied wine.
Very Good | $20 | 14.5% ABV



September 2017
Syndicated/Combined circulation: 1,486,040

By Al Vuona

August 23, 2017
Circulation: 170,000

Discover 6 Trending Wine Regions in the Languedoc

Pamela Heiligenthal

Corbières, Minervois and Saint-Chinian might be the darlings of the Languedoc, but growers and
winemakers are working hard to upgrade quality across the region. New appellations like La Clape and
Pic Saint-Loup, as well as many older regions are making strides to transform Languedoc to showcase
the potential of its soils, the grapes and the talent that come from this area.

Delicious wines are materializing across the region, and I’ve highlighted six trending, inspirational
appellations with a few wines to showcase each area.

TERRASSES DU LARZAC AOC

What makes this region special: Set in the foothills of the Causse du Larzac, the vineyards in the
Terrasses Du Larzac are indeed unique. On the west side, the vines grow in rock known as ruffe, an
extremely iron rich soil that is a beautiful brick color. The east and northward vines grow in limestone and
clay soils, and stony terraces of the Hérault valley. Winemakers often blend varieties of the Languedoc
AOC together—Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, to
produce excellent quality wine.

2015 Château de Crès Ricards Stecia Les Terrasses du Larzac, France ($14)

Deliciously smooth with nutty, spicy flavors, balanced with bright, interesting raisin toast flavors. Tannins
are well integrated, with a good dose of spice and oak. Pair it with your favorite grilled meat or vegetable
dishes.

2015 Château de Crès Ricards Oenothera Les Terrasses du Larzac, France ($17)

Lovely candied fruit, spices and dark fruits of blackberries and dark sweet cherries complement the
chocolate and licorice backbone. It’s delicious and structured with a long, silky finish.

August 26, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Discover 6 Trending Wine Regions in the Languedoc

Pamela Heiligenthal

Corbières, Minervois and Saint-Chinian might be the darlings of the Languedoc, but growers and
winemakers are working hard to upgrade quality across the region. New appellations like La Clape and
Pic Saint-Loup, as well as many older regions are making strides to transform Languedoc to showcase
the potential of its soils, the grapes and the talent that come from this area.

Delicious wines are materializing across the region, and I’ve highlighted six trending, inspirational
appellations with a few wines to showcase each area.

TERRASSES DU LARZAC AOC

What makes this region special: Set in the foothills of the Causse du Larzac, the vineyards in the
Terrasses Du Larzac are indeed unique. On the west side, the vines grow in rock known as ruffe, an
extremely iron rich soil that is a beautiful brick color. The east and northward vines grow in limestone and
clay soils, and stony terraces of the Hérault valley. Winemakers often blend varieties of the Languedoc
AOC together—Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, to
produce excellent quality wine

2015 Château de Crès Ricards Stecia Les Terrasses du Larzac, France ($14)

Deliciously smooth with nutty, spicy flavors, balanced with bright, interesting raisin toast flavors. Tannins
are well integrated, with a good dose of spice and oak. Pair it with your favorite grilled meat or vegetable
dishes.

2015 Château de Crès Ricards Oenothera Les Terrasses du Larzac, France ($17)

Lovely candied fruit, spices and dark fruits of blackberries and dark sweet cherries complement the
chocolate and licorice backbone. It’s delicious and structured with a long, silky finish.

August 26, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Uncorked: Week of August 26

Pamela Heiligenthal

Here are a few handpicked selections we uncorked August 26, 2017

2015 Château Paul Mas Clos des Mûres, Languedoc, France ($20)

Luscious dark fruits with smoke and chocolate notes. Finishes long and strong with chewy tannins and
plum notes. Great quality-to-price-ratio (QPR). The blend is 85% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre.

NV Côté Mas Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs, Languedoc, France ($12)

Delicious, fresh and fruit with feisty bubbles that dance in the glass. Looking for sparkling pairings? This
sparkler would taste deliciously with buttered popcorn, or delicate fish dishes with lemon butter sauces.







January 2, 2017
Circulation: 1,000

A très Français January

Sean Chaudhry

It’s the bitter cold of January that can set the mind to wander.
For us, we picture a cozy bistro on the side streets of Paris,
where a wood stove in the center not only warms the
restaurant’s entirety, but seems to create a contagious glow
on patrons’ faces. Or maybe that can be attributed to the
wine they are consuming as the snow outside picks up, and
they linger over a rich, beefy soupe à l’oignon gratinée, the
de rigueur steak frites or a luscious beef Bourguignon.

It’s a civilized way to get through winter’s harshest days,
right? That’s what we were thinking as we went looking for
the perfect wines for the January edition of our Inspired
Wine Club: two gorgeous, full French reds that can warm you up this month as you sit by a fire, dawdle in
the kitchen by a warm oven or share these wines in good company on a cold Illinois winter night.

Paul Mas Estate Malbec, Languedoc, France

Before Argentina ruled the land of Malbec, this truly was a French thing. And this 90% Malbec with 10%
Cabernet Franc is a wonderful example of how Malbec is still a great French wine find. Deep purple in
color with powerful, complex aromas of ripe plum, black currant and mocha that are tinged with delightful
spicy accents – yes, this is a wine we love. A good fruit concentration supports this medium to full-bodied
Malbec and its ripe tannins. Enjoy its layers of vanilla spiciness. This is a perfect accompaniment to
mushroom-y Hunter’s Stew, or even alongside some Stilton cheese and crackers.



August 24, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Drink Occitanie: Domaines Paul Mas Winemaker Bastien Lalauze

Jill Barth
Lately, everyone seems to be talking about Occitanie (the new department name for the merger of
Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées). Maxim called it The Wine Soaked Region that is France’s Best
Kept Secret. Vogue said to Skip Bordeaux – This is the New Wine Region to Visit in France. Condé Nast
Traveler wrote Why Langeudoc is Like Nowhere Else in France.
This all opens up a more serious conversation (despite the clicky headlines) about the wine of the region,
as newcomers discover an area that is home to multi-generational winemakers as well as those that see
the potential in re-starting life fresh as a winemaker in Southern France. In other words, both sides of the
story are listening: the producers and the consumers.
After a recent trip to Occitanie I noticed several themes in chatter about the area, present both in southern
France and abroad. My recent conversation with Bastien Lalauze – winemaker and estate manager at
sustainably-farmed Château Martinolles in Limoux, a sparkling wine property in the Domaines Paul Mas
family – brought to life these themes, illustrating where practice and perception are coming together in a
very exciting circuit.

ON NEW QUALITY IN OCCITANIE
Lalauze confirmed stories that I heard while in Occitanie, that yes – vines have been pulled up. In Minervois
they used the term “grubbed up” and the assumption is that this is being done because some of the
vineyards produce low-quality (bulkish) wine; order for Languedoc to shine they must replant. There is truth

to this, but the decade-old reforms that initiated this practice have now expired, allowing for the results to
come to fruition. Lalauze shared that he is now planting about 20 hectares each year, most of it on vineyards
that have rested under cover crop for 5-7 years.

There are still beautiful heritage vines there, including some Clairette that Lalauze refers to as “ancient”
along with 38 other varietals sprinkled throughout the Domaines Paul Mas vineyards. Paul Mas, of course,
is a significant name in the area, under the guidance of namesake Jean Claude Mas. Domaines Paul Mas
owns more than 600 hectares of vineyards (including Château Martinolles) and their partnership extends
to another 1,312 hectares of vines husbanded by other local growers. This depth is indicative of the pulse
of creativity in a wine region capable of both large quantities and forward-reaching fingerprints. There is
room for change, room for outsiders, room to breathe in the Languedoc – and where there was (10, 20
years ago) room for improvement – there is now, simply, improvement.

Lalauze himself could be seen as a fresh face, having joined Domaines Paul Mas in 2011 at his first-ever
post as estate manager and winemaker. Flush with an education in agriculture, engineering, biology and
geology, Lalauze says he was ready to “accept the challenge” when offered the post at Château Martinolles.
Not from a winegrowing background, the “diversity of tasks” and the opportunity to create something new
each year appealed to Lalaluze.

ON SUSTAINABILITY + BIODIVERSITY IN OCCITANIE

Château de Martinolles is farmed sustainably, with a certification from Terra Vitis, a wholly interesting
concept with influence in six major wine regions in France. Of their mission they state, “Humankind and its
environment are at the heart of the Terra Vitis project. The protection of natural resources is one of the
major stakes today, but not the only one. The health of the estate manager and that of their employees,
neighbours and consumers is just as important to Terra Vitis.” This holistic approach was echoed by
Lalauze in our conversation as he told me that he has to “take the vineyard globally” in a culture of organic
and even biodynamic influences. “It’s a patient job,” he said, and one that is a big change in Occitanie.
However he is not alone. In Limoux there is a gathering of around ten other vignerons, allowing for “a lot of
exchange” in terms of the way they look at the farm, “not just at production but also the people”.

It became apparent during my conversation with Lalauze, that he has a passion for biodiversity in the soil
of his vineyards, which he constantly works to increase. The use of gentle machines to “kill the weeds
without shocking the vines” is on the uptick as he adds to the acreage receiving such treatment each year.
He plants his vineyards with three to five varietals that don’t compete directly for soil space – those with
varied root systems, those that reach for different levels in the earth (top to deep, and those that reach
wide). He’s working on the issue of lack of water (when applicable) by utilizing mulch.

One of the most exciting things about Lalauze’s vineyards is the intense soil biome that he’s constantly
cultivating, the living organic matter that rules the roost under the visible vines. He says that “nitrogen
created by chemistry was easy, but the microorganisms aren’t able to work anymore and now we have to
do it all again”. So instead of using synthetic fertilizers, Lalauze cultivates plants that trap nitrogen in the air
and deposit it back into the soil. Mycorrhizal Fungi increases the presence of microorganisms that are
suitable to the soil – creating a natural balance in the vineyard that depends less and less on fighting back
nature with harshness and synthetics.

That term, Mycorrhizal Fungi, is very important to Lalauze; he created a diagram to explain how this
underground process works. I found the following explanation from the New York Botanical Garden,
“Mycorrhizae are symbiotic relationships that form between fungi and plants. The fungi colonize the root
system of a host plant, providing increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities while the plant
provides the fungus with carbohydrates formed from photosynthesis.” Basically, these create a link between
the soil and vine benefiting the exchange of nutrients. When the soil is over-processed or treated with
chemicals, these die out or lose their working power – something Lalauze authentically wants to avoid. He
leans heavily on preventative rather than curative methods when it comes to disease, and exhibits
confidence that Limoux is the perfect place to showcase the capability of a healthy vineyard, “Our
Languedoc climate is conducive to organic farming because it is dry and windy which decreases the
pressure of diseases like powdery mildew.”

ON SPARKING WINE IN OCCITANIE

The story goes that first sparkling wines were invented at Saint Hilaire Abbey (in Limoux) in 1544 – setting
the stage for the show-stealing Champenois that people world wide associate with bubbles in their wine.
Lalauze is a specialist when it comes to sparkling wine, in charge of all sparkling wines at Domaines Paul
Mas, which are produced exclusively at Château Martinolles. He says that he “learned from the sparkling
wines how to make still wines” because one must “be precise when making sparkling” wines. But in the
cellar, he says, they are the most interesting.

A few examples from Lalauze’s portfolio:

Crémant de Limoux Brut, AOP Limoux: 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, 10%
Mauzac. Aged 18-24 months before disgorgement, rich and acidic. What is crémant? Translated as creamy,
in the wine world this is a sparkling wine where the second stage of fermentation (to be thanked for the
bubbles) happens in the bottle. Made similarly to Champagne, but termed crémant because it is made
outside of Champagne. In several wine regions throughout France, one will find the regional crémant,
bubbled similarly but with slightly different requirements. (NV, retail around $16)
Crémant de Limoux Brut Rosé, AOP Limoux: 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin, 10% Pinot Noir. Made in the
style mentioned about but with a beautiful rosé shade. (NV, retail around $16)

Blanquette de Limoux Méthode Ancestrale, AOP Limoux: 100% Mauzac, a regional grape with notes of
fresh cut grass and apple cider. I find this to be particularly delicious and I’ve featured this wine here. (And
other Blanquettes de Limoux here and here.) Méthode Ancestrale is an ancient process employed to create
bubbly wines by bottling the wine before the first fermentation has finished. This creates a release of carbon
dioxide in the bottle as the fermentation rolls on. (NV, retail around $16)
Brut Blanc de Blancs, IGP Vin de France: 100% Chardonnay made in the same method as the crémant,
but because it is not made under the Crémant de Limoux standards, it is called a mousseux, or sparkling
wine. In this case it is the sourcing of grapes outside of Limoux, from elsewhere in the Languedoc, that
prevent the stamp of the Crémant de Limoux label. (NV, retail around $16)

ON THE REAL MESSAGE IN OCCITANIE
Notice two sub-themes, both significant in Occitanie. The first is the scope of styles: local tradition (the
Blanquette, with native grape and the historical méthode ancestrale) / regional, yet French (the crémants,
made in a French style with regional flair) / open and stylized (the flexible, international blanc de blanc).
The second is the price: all high-quality, primarily AOP wines priced under $20 – for a carefully made bubbly
by a respected domaine with sustainable standards. Those two things: scope and price
attractiveness/value (and yes, they are available in the US) ring through every conversation I have about
Occitanie.

ON THE PLACE THAT HAS IT ALL
I asked Lalauze to tell me what it’s like, in his words, around his vineyards. He noted the Mediterranean
climate – those hot days and cool nights. Lots of acidity in Limoux wines, with vines at around 300 meters
elevation. There are hills, trees and streams. A diverse terroir of garrigue to oak forest. When hiking the
vegetation will change, new environments will emerge. The mountains, Mount Alaric and the Montagne
Noire range…these are the things he pointed out. No mention of monuments or ramparts, of museums or
shopping. No mention of restaurants or hotels or universities… all of that is there, for sure, but a winemaker
like Lalauze keeps his eyes on the vines, the land and terroir and “accepts the challenge” of being part of
the new face of Occitanie.

February 14, 2017
Circulation: 1,200,000

REVIEW: JEAN-CLAUDE MAS’S ‘CÔTÉ MAS’ CRÉMANT DE
LIMOUX BRUT

Edward Deitch

I have no doubt that someone has calculated how much
sparkling wine will be consumed on Valentine’s Day, but
let’s just round things off and say that it will be an ocean of
bubbly. I can’t think of a wine-growing country or region
that doesn’t produce sparkling wine, and that’s the point:
The choices are almost infinite and the prices are as
expensive or as modest as you want them to be.

With that in mind, let’s remind ourselves that there is really
good bubbly out there for not much money at all. Of
course, there is always Champagne. But there is
also everything else, and these days, “everything else” can
be amazingly good. The more you learn about France’s
“other” sparkling wines, the more you realize how
satisfying they can be.

One of them is Jean-Claude Mas’s “Côté
Mas” Crémant de Limoux Brut from Languedoc in
southwest France. This delicious and refreshing estate-
bottled sparkler, or crémant, is from St. Hilaire in the
Limoux appellation, where sparkling wine production
predates that of Champagne. They’ve been at it since
1531, and with a mere 486 years of experience, you would
expect them to churn out something quite drinkable. They
do, and more, and for all of $15.

The blend is dominated by Chardonnay, along with Chenin
Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Mauzac, the region’s indigenous
variety. The overall impression is bright and uplifting, with
fine bubbles, lemon-lime, subtle yeast and floral notes, and
minerals on the long finish. The wine over-delivers and is
a great way to start of your Valentine’s evening – or just
about any evening.

There are all manner of crémants out there, from Crémant
de Limoux to Crémant d’Alsace, Crémant de Bourgogne to
Crémant de Bordeaux. You’ll find many, if not most, under
$20. Best of all, they will expand your horizons when it
comes to sparkling wine.

July 6, 2017
Circulation: 6,350,000

All the Bottles You Need For Your Summer House (Or Someone Else’s)

Carey Jones

Here are our picks for the best wines, spirits, and more.

If I could while away the entire summer on the back porch of a seaside cottage, sipping rosé and watching
the waves crash… well, I’d want for nothing else. Of course, not many of us are jetting off for a three-month
vacation at our own quaint beachfront home. But whether you’re headed to your summer rental, in need of
a gift for your host at someone else’s, or just want to recreate that easy-breezy drinking vibe wherever you
are in the world — you need a few great bottles. Here are our picks for the best wines, spirits, and more.

Bubbles!

Champagne is wonderful, but there is so much more out there in the world of bubbles. So if you’re looking
to buy a few cases, whether you want to stock up for the summer or you’re hosting a sabering party, you
might want to look for some of these bottles.

Summer is my season of cava. Dibon Cava Brut Reserve is rich and toasty with a ton of character; Anna
de Codorníu Blanc de Blanc is another winner, made with 100% Chardonnay — common in French
sparkling wines but quite unusual for Spain. Their rosé sparkler, made with a 70-30% blend of Pinot Noir
and Chardonnay, is just as tasty.

And there are so many excellent French sparkling wines that aren’t Champagne. Here’s a vocab lesson:
When you see Crémant, it signifies a sparkling wine made with the same in-bottle secondary fermentation
method as Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is a Crémant from the region of Limoux; Crémant d'Alsace,
bubbles from Alsace; not too hard, right?

Cote Mas Crémant de Limoux Brut is widely available and very respectable; from that region, I’m also a fan
of Gérard Bertrand’s “Thomas Jefferson” sparkling wines. Other favorites: the snappy Val de Mer Cremant
de Bourgogne; the citrusy, tangy Clotilde Davenne Crémant de Bourgogne "Extra Brut"; the floral, friendly
Crémant d'Alsace from Koenig; the super-tart, super-mineral Vouvray Brut, Vignoble Brisebarre; and for a
serious value (just $8!), perfect for nonstop sabering or sparkling-wine cocktails, Delacroix Blanc de Blanc
Brut.

April 5, 2017
Circulation: 1,000

Social Post | Jill Barth

“Jean Claude Mas is often described as a pioneer form the New Languedoc, belonging to the New wave
of French wines, one of those on a mission to give Languedoc his former glory back in a region where
wine production goes back to more than 2000 years.”

August 18, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Mapping France in Wine Bottles: Where to Get Affordable French Wine

Jill Barth

If you have the impression that finding affordable wine in France is hard – it is definitely time to revisit that
stance. My husband and I have taken several road-trips through France, meeting winemakers and tasting
wine – much of it high-quality, AOP wines with price-tags that need to be forgiven for their modesty.
Where to go to find rich wine culture and wine to ship home? Let’s hop along and see what’s out there.

LANGUEDOC

Earlier this week I wrote about the wines and visitor experience at St. Jacques d’Albas in Minervois.
Affordable, but capped full of deluxe character and elegance. I have a crush with Languedoc (now, properly
title Occitanie, departmentally speaking) which I visited earlier this year. Now I am wrapped up in memories
of the richness there. Fields animated with nodding red poppies, mountain views in every direction, fantastic
folks with a sense of humor, damn good food and all around saturation of color, light and spirit. The people
there offer a distant, dignified welcome for outsiders – not rude, but authentic. Travel stories often paint
locals (wherever) as either jolly, back-slapping merry-makers or rude, pinch-up bitches looking to rain on
everyone’s vacation. The atmosphere here was much less contrived than that, restful but ready, kind but
reserved. Anyway…the wine:

Côté Mas Blanquette de Limoux NV St. Hilaire Méthode Ancestrale: Recently I had a conversation with
Bastien Lalauze, winemaker at Domaines Paul Mas and Château Martinolles in Limoux; Bastien makes the
sparkling wines. I’ve chosen this wine because if you have a house sparkling wine, you need to have a
great story today as you make a sturdy process of popping and pouring. Méthode Ancestrale is an old
method of creating bubbles where the winemaker stops the first fermentation before it is finished. The wine

is then bottled and undergoes a second fermentation – this all relies on the present yeast to do the job. No
sugar is added and no dosage is performed. This wine is made of 100% Mauzac, a traditional local varietal
and one that I think tastes fantastic. When drinking Lalauze’s wines I told my husband, this is what everyone
wishes they were drinking right now. I have more to tell about our conversation (it turned to the topic of soil
pretty quickly and there is even a diagram to show you, but not yet) but for now, get the wine and drink it
with your friends. Take a deep breath and get ready to squeal – this wine is priced at around $16. 16 bucks
for a bubbly that has tradition and taste. Eek!

Social Post | Jill Barth May 24, 2017
Circulation: 1,000
#ChardonnayDay Celebrating this iconic grape…

January 7, 2017
Circulation: 16,451

The Allstate Sugar Bowl: A Tale of Two Conferences, Wine and the Big
Easy Experience

Melanie Ofenloch

This story involves wine, amazing food, dear friends, family, unrestricted access and a
team that I love. The backdrop of the story is in New Orleans – yes, the Big Easy – and

the focus was Auburn University (my alma mater) playing
The University of Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. It was
also a time to teach my 11-year-old daughter about
winning and losing, being appreciative, enjoying the New
Orleans experience and food (and yes, off of Bourbon
Street, she’s 11….) and trying to instill in her that this was
indeed a life experience and not how her parents
experienced football in college.

Since we went to the gym, we opened a bottle of the
Côté Mas St. Hilarie Crémant de Limoux NV Brut, for
our walk to Peche because we were in a celebratory
mode. It was a great under $15 sparkling with notes of
green apple, toast and citrus. Very drinkable, very
affordable. Definitely something a divided table of
Auburn and OU fans could agree upon. That may have
been my favorite meal in New Orleans.

February 13, 2017
Circulation:26,487

Have a Sparkling Valentine’s Day for Under $20

Michelle Williams

Those who love sparkling wines like myself are constantly trying to
convince the masses that a special occasion is not needed to enjoy a glass
of bubbles. However, based on sales figures, sparkling wine sales typically
increase around a special occasion or holiday event. So if you won’t take
my advice and embrace the notion that bubbles pair just as well with
Tuesday as they do a birthday or anniversary; then at least open a lovely
bottle of bubbles for Valentine’s Day.

Consider this, if you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with the one you love
then bubbles add elegance to the evening, if you are celebrating with your
friends then bubbles create a party atmosphere, if you are enjoying a quiet
evening alone then you have the entire bottle to yourself! Sparkling wine
makes a great aperitif to enjoy as you wait for your bottle selection to
decant. Due to its high acidity, sparkling wine pairs seamlessly with a wide
variety of foods such as seafood, shellfish, poultry, pork, and red meat, as
well as Thai food, French food, Sushi, Mediterranean food, the list goes
on. Finally, allow a nice bottle of sparkling wine to dress up an ultra-casual
meal such a fried chicken or a hamburger, you’ll be glad you did! Whatever
this Valentine’s Day has in store for you a lovely bottle of sparkling wine will only make it better.

Here are two high-quality, low price bottles of bubbles that will make your Valentine’s Day sparkle.

Domaines Paul Mas

Domaines Paul Mas wines are inspired by a new world attitude and seek
to add luxury to every day. The wines are a result of a “harmonious
symbiosis between [the] extraordinary region [of Languedoc-Roussillon,
which] is capable of producing fantastic fruits, a passion for the vineyards,
a true respect for the grapes during vinification, and a talent of blending
and aging wines.” All this is evident in the Côté Mas.

NV Paul Mas ‘Côté Mas’ Crémant de Limoux Brut Languedoc-
Roussillon France ($15.99): Crafted of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin
Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, and 10% Mauzac in the Methode Traditionelle;
clear, pale lemon; clean medium aromas of floral notes, citrus lead by
lemon zest, and a touch of honey; dry with medium+ acidity, persistent
bubbles create a crisp and lively mouth-feel with a zesty finish.

My song Selection:
Al Green- Love and happiness

February 9, 2017
Circulation: 2,500,000

Off the Vine: Add a sparkle to Valentine's Day

Al Vuona

I hate to admit it but I've become awkwardly predictable. For instance, take Valentine's Day - every year it's flowers,
candy and a card, which is all fine. But as the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life. So, this year I've decided
to celebrate with a wonderful bottle of sparkling wine. Popping that cork and then pouring a frothy glass of chilled
Champagne or sparkling wine says "I love you" in a rather novel way. Whether you're planning to treat your
significant other to a wonderful home-cooked meal or a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant, going the extra
mile with a bottle of sparkling wine really adds a nice touch.

Perhaps you noticed that I mention both Champagne or sparkling wine. So what's the difference? First, Champagne
as we know it comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France and must follow a strict set of vineyard
practices. Bubblies from other regions of the world are simply referred to as sparkling wine or by regional
designations.

Both these wines are categorized as "vintage" or "nonvintage"; vintage are wines from a single year, while
nonvintage denotes a blend of several different years. Typically the vintage Champagnes are pricier while the NV
or nonvintage sparkling wines make up the majority of the market.

To make sparkling wine, a number of methods may be employed. One of the most common and the one used in
the Champagne region of France is the Méthode Champenoise or Champagne method. This includes a primary
fermentation and bottling followed by a second fermentation whereby the winemaker takes still wine and adds a
few grams of sugar and a few grams of yeast. The yeast and sugar then convert to carbon dioxide (bubbles) and,
of course, alcohol. All of which gives the wine that bubbly nature.

So let me dispense with the technical lingo and recommend a few producers that I think will help make this
Valentine's Day a very special one.

From France, two wines high on my list would include the Bruno Paillard NV Brut "Premiere Cuvee." This terrific
wine has vibrant aromas of citrus, lime and grapefruit. On the palate, flavors such as cherry, fig and blackberry
prevail. The wine is full-bodied with a long, clean finish and should be properly chilled before serving. $47

Domaines Paul Mas, Cremant de Limoux NV Brut. This very affordable sparkler with a pale yellow color and
abundant citrus fruit flavors will tantalize your taste buds. $17

From the Trentino region of Italy, the Ferrari, Non-Vintage Brut is a great way to say "I love you." A simply delicious
wine that offers vibrant aromas of pear and apple with hints of fig. The finish is plush with a frothy smooth finish.
$24

California favorites would include the J Vineyards, NV Cuvee 20 from the Russian River Valley. This is just a
delightful sparkler with unrestrained aromas of lemon and toasted almonds. On the palate, flavors of peach, pear
and passion fruit are readily noticeable as is the smooth finish with hints of vanilla and toasty caramel. $35

Gloria Ferrer, another well-regarded California producer, makes a terrific Blanc de Blanc. From 100 percent hand-
harvested Chardonnay grapes, this richly complex yet dry and elegant wine opens with aromas of crisp green apple
and Asian pear. On the palate, citrus and lemon flavors lead to a long, racy finish. $22

Barefoot Bubbly, Brut Cuvee: Don't let the price fool you - this is a very enjoyable wine and offers aromas of green
apple and jasmine. On the palate, tropical fruit flavors along with the crisp, lingering finish make this wine an easy
choice. $10

Wine of the Week: Ghost Pines, Red Blend, California 2013. Deep crimson color with ripe cherry and blackberry
fruit flavors. Medium-bodied with hints of brown sugar, spice and cocoa along with a velvety texture and smooth
finish. $19

July 17, 2017
Circulation: 1,837

Social Post | somminthecity

Sara Lehman

Begin your week with a one of a kind Blackberry Lime Rickey #cocktail! This beauty is made with
@cotemas Crémant and pairs perfectly with the Lobster & Toast at #DavidBurkeKitchen #NYC!
#cocktailporn #Cocktailpic #eeeeeats #drinkporn #drinkpic #FoodPic #FoodPorn #blogger
#SommProblems