Paul Mas

Jean-Claude Mas’s great-grandfather, Auguste Mas, was the man who bought the family vineyard in 1892, he acquired 9 ha (22 acres) of vines in the Mas de Bicq, near the village of St Pons de Mauschiens (close to Montagnac).

Then in 1934, Raymond Mas grew the family vineyard to a surface of 15 ha in Domaine Montredon (Montagnac).

In 1954, Paul Mas developed the vineyard to 120 ha (296 acres) with his brother, Maxime Mas.

And in 1987, Paul Mas gave 35 ha to his son, Jean-Claude, who created, 13 years later, Les Domaines Paul Mas.

When I visited the estate in September, 2024, Jean-Claude greeted us with an incredible tasting, over 20 different wines, showcase different grapes and styles, a true eye opener to the region. They produce 6 million cases a year, buy in 7 million cases worth from other producers, and work with and store at wineries a further 2 million cases.

Paul Mas Chardonnay – “Lovely light oak, crisp and refreshing.”

Paul Mas Chardonnay-Viognier – “Smooth, touched aged oak, nice wooden feel to the palate with delicate fruits.”

Paul Mass Clos de Maro Chardonnay Limoux – “Very smooth, creamy sensation and flavours of cooking vanilla, with ripe pineapples and very delicate tropical spices. Caramelized pineapples. Very nice wine, beautifully crafted, something to take time over, rather than just drink (Most memorable wine from the trip).”

Paul Mas Sparkling Pet-Net – “Soft and delicate zesty lemons and yeasty notes along with a touch of yellow floral. A silky smooth but powerful expression of yellow rose petals, blossom and floral notes, delicate yeasty notes, and cooking lemons.”

Paul Mas – Vignes De Nicole 2003: Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot – “Hints of wood and ground spices appear, wood chips, dark and rich on the aroma. Dry, rich, delicate dark chocolate, aged dark red and black berries aging together, touch of spice left in the palate.”