The soon-to-be “Terrasses du Larzac” AOC in Languedoc is one of the most interesting and varied area of Languedoc. These variations come from the variety of soils but also from yearly rainfall variations and different stages of altitude. From Jonquières (Home of Mas Jullien & Mas Cal Demoura) at 113 m. alt. To Mas Haut Buis (pronounce “Mass O Bouee”) in l’Escalette at nearly 400m Alt. There is sometimes more than 2 weeks between the two harvest.. And almost 5° less at night. A guarantee of freshness and fine tannins whatever the summer heat will be.. And a good investment in regard of the climate changes. Mediterranean characteristics included.
Olivier Jeantet, the founder and owner of Mas Haut-Buis ( a 20ha estate) always thought and acted as a pioneer since his first vintage in 1998. As an autodidact, he never walked in anybody’s footsteps but has seen a good number of the next generation follow his since. Before it became trendy again to search for finesse, fine tannins and fruit balance he was already into earlier harvests, light extractions and discreet barrel ageing. Nowadays, a large part of his wines are aged in cement tanks and large austrian oak vats. Have a taste at his 00, 01, 02 vintages for instance and you’ll know the ageing potential of Mas Haut-Buis.
Never taking experience for granted, he’s the kind of winemaker to always renew himself and question the best way to adapt to a given vintage. The next pioneer stage Olivier is taking us to is the Riesling and Chenin Blanc planted at 650m alt. that we shall be able to taste in 2 years from now. Its undoubtable success will certainly take Terrasses du Larzac to new heights.
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