2021 Mas d'Alezon - Faugeres Presbytère (750ml)

Mas d'Alezon is the creation of Catherine Roque, an architect by training who turned to winemaking and took over a long-neglected vineyard at the highest point of the Faugères appellation in 1997. She farms roughly eight and a half hectares of schist soil under Demeter-certified biodynamic practices, working alongside her daughter Alex, who runs the nearby Domaine de Clovallon. Over the years Roque has built a reputation for wines of real finesse, and Le Presbytère stands as one of the estate's flagship reds.

Le Presbytère draws mainly on old-vine Grenache noir, rounded out with Syrah and Mourvèdre grown on the steep, high-altitude schist terraces above the village. The site's poor soils and cooler mountain air slow ripening considerably, which keeps yields low and concentrates flavor in the fruit. Vinification favors a light touch, with minimal sulfur added, allowing the character of the vintage and the terroir to remain the focus rather than winemaking technique.

The 2021 Presbytère shows a deep ruby color and a nose built around dark fruit, licorice and warm spice. On the palate, ripe Grenache brings generosity and freshness in equal measure, framed by silky tannins and a long, peppery finish. It pairs naturally with roasted red meat, braised game or a hearty Provençal-style stew.