2021 Domaine Bressy-Masson, Rasteau - Liberty

Based in Rasteau, Domaine Bressy-Masson is a collaboration between fourth-generation vigneron Paul Emile Masson and Laurent Bréchet of Château de Vaudieu in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grenache-fanatic Laurent has long been fascinated by the diversity of the Southern Rhône and is determined to work with only its most exceptional vineyards. In Bressy-Masson, he found what many experts in the region regard as the best site in Rasteau.

The domaine, which has been farmed by the Masson family since 1947, has over 20 hectares of vines spread over south-facing hillsides. The soil is dominated by limestone marl and clay variations, which give the wine elegance and power. The Grenache grows on blue marl, close to the domaine, whereas the Syrah and Mourvèdre are grown on the stonier terraces of ‘Le Crapon’ and ‘Le Plan de Dieu’. The topsoil on these terraces is covered with rounded pebbles, which soak up heat during the day and radiate it to the vines at night. This aids ripening by ensuring full phenolic maturity at an earlier stage, meaning the grapes can still be picked while they are fresh.

Well-known Rhône consultant Philippe Cambie, who also works with the Bréchet family's other estates, oversees vinification in the recently modernised cellar. The wine blends Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The grapes are optically sorted and crushed before fermentation in concrete. Each grape variety is vinified separately to maximise their expression. The Syrah is aged for eight months in old oak barrels, whereas the Mourvèdre and the Grenache spend eight months in concrete or stainless-steel tanks before all three are blended. The result is a juicy, enticing wine with smooth tannins and an intense blackberry fruit character lifted by aromas of Provençal herbs.

The vineyards are spread over 20 hectares of south-facing hillsides. The soil is dominated by variations of limestone marl and clay, which give the wine both elegance and power. The Grenache grows on blue marl, close to the domaine, whereas the Syrah is grown on the stonier terraces of 'Le Crapon' and 'Le Plan de Dieu'. The topsoil on these terraces is covered with rounded pebbles, which retain heat well, storing it by day and releasing it to the vines at night.

The 2022 vintage began with early bud burst across the vineyards. Through rigorous monitoring and careful vineyard management, vine health was maintained despite the challenging and wet spring conditions. A hot and dry summer followed, concentrating aromas and creating ideal conditions for harvest.

The grapes were optically sorted before being slightly crushed. Fermentation took place in concrete at a controlled temperature of 26 °C. Each grape variety was vinified separately to maximise the expression of both site. Maceration time was around 30 days with pumping over and micro-oxygenation carried out daily. The Syrah was aged in old oak barrels for eight months, whereas the Grenache spent eight months in concrete and stainless-steel tanks, before blending.

Deep purple color in the glass, this wine offers a rich bouquet of ripe blackberries and violets with hints of liquorice. The palate is full bodied, with generous fruit and smooth tannins, with a touch of salinity adding to the long finish.