2014 Mas Zenitude Vent d'Anges

Region: St Jean De Fos <Languedoc <France

Grapes: Carignan

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic practices, organic certified &
member of Vin Natur; 100+ year old vines grown in limestone and clay
soils; no use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers; 5% de-stemmed,
35% non de-stemmed and then via gravitation placed in open topped
conical concrete vats where the juice is macerated with the skins for
10 days using their natural yeasts with nothing added; no temperature
control; minimal pump over using soft and slow pumping; hereafter they
are softly pressed in a vertical press and then pumped back and stored
in concrete for one year; no filtration or fining; no additives are
ever used; zero-zero; 13% ABV

Winemaker:  Erik Gabrielson

You can't help but share in Erik's passion when you meet him - he
exudes love, dedication, and true stewardship and connection to the
land that he farms. We had the opportunity to taste the Mas Zenitude
wines last year as he was eating and drinking his way around San
Francisco. We adoringly rested our chins in our hands as he spoke of a
pursuit to return winemaking to its roots, grounded in traditional
techniques that respect the land, the vines, and the natural processes
that transform the fruits of the vineyards into his unique and
gorgeous wines. Maybe it was his adorable Swedish accent, but it was
poetic.

His journey, after acquiring the vineyards in 2006, was personal - one
that takes an intimate understanding of the land and commitment to the
craft. He used established practices of biodynamic viticulture, while
also cultivating some of his own practices, unique to place, along the
way. Through this, he returned the vineyard to a more natural,
low-intervention style of winemaking. Erik's passion has been rewarded
in many ways as the wines have responded to reflect an organically
balanced terroir that is more authentic and sustainable. But the more
noble reward, was the welcome return of native birds, insects, and
wildlife to the land, after many generations they have been missed by
locals.  Erik proclaims he is dedicated to offering wines with an
attitude and individuality.  Mas Zenitude wines are certainly that -
sensual and tugging at your emotions, they feel familiar and like a
brand new experience at the same time, lighting up your senses with
their vibrant aromatics. The wines evolve in the glass, celebrating a
natural, rhythmic sense of place and a certain liveliness. They defy
the shortcomings of modern assembly line wine production.

Vent D’Anges is a Carignan from very old vines. Which is cool,
because, as with humans, when vines get old they are wiser, producing
less fruit naturally, but that fruit is exceptional, with depth and
minerality that you don't get in younger vines.  It's a very special
wine, elegant and intellectual, and a bit brooding.  Medium-bodied,
with soft tannins and dark fruit - black cherries, licorice and
balsamic -- with an earthy, mineral-driven core.  If you have the
time, decant before drinking -- with air, it opens up to reveal a
softer side, with more floral, red fruit notes.

DRINKING NOTES: Decant for 30 minutes before serving