Mas Jullien: a reference to the name of Larzac Terraces

The Mas Jullien evokes for many the most concrete example of the quality revolution begun in Languedoc in the 1980s. Many recognitions have come to salute the work of Olivier Jullien, become a leader and ambassador of the great terroirs of the region.
Insatiable, Olivier Jullien calls constantly question its achievements. Aided by his loyal “right hand” in the person of Jean-Baptiste Granier, the son of Jean-Philippe Granier technical director of the Coteaux du Languedoc, the two friends continually questioning and pistent the great wines of terroir in their area, the Terraces Larzac offer this possibility.


Hosted by Jean-Baptiste, we began our visit by a passage on the vine as a nod that recalls that Mas Jullien , the origin of wine a great wine is an affirmation! We ponctuons our visit with a trip to the cool cellars followed by a tasting of the two “classics” of Mas Jullien who participated in its international success.

Everything starts in the vineyard!

On arrival we were immediately welcomed by Jean-Baptiste Granier, the cellar master of Mas Jullien . He said the visit would begin other than by immersion in the soil. We’re off to a young vine Mourvèdre Olivier Jullien recently acquired.

The first observation: “there is grass in the vineyard! . Indeed, we are taught that competition may exert different herbs from the water can be harmful to the vine. These herbs can also serve as a bridge for diseases that litter the ground … In theory it’s true! But experience has shown that these two men the truth was not so simple, quite the contrary. For removing these weeds must be weeded it makes sense. But this practice involves many constraints. When weeds chemically, draw a train on the soil microbial life, yet so important … The transition requires several mechanical weeding by tractor, which compacts the soil and can asphyxiate by limiting gas exchange and water.
In short, what we want to explain Jean-Baptiste in taking us through the vineyards, is that the compromise seems to be the best solution, and the reasoning the source of success. “Biodiversity is essential! “He insists.

While we are far from the ideal wine sometimes advocated for fans of vines to the square where every plant matter other than the vine is removed. But the leaves are healthy, disease-free, and drafts of clusters promise a good harvest.

Observation first!

Of the 18 hectares of vineyards operated by the field observation is in order and it is that validates the gesture of the winemaker. The Mas Jullien is a model of reasoning in terms of cultural practices. Nurtured on ancient wisdom and constantly updated, excellent knowledge of viticulture is no doubt one of the strengths of Mas Jullien.

There is so much talk of wine and wine making qualities of the two men that we forget the essential: the vine!
This little detour reminds us …

A cave at the top but keeps his human nature!

Even if there is at Mas Jullien equipment wine on top of technology, Olivier Jullien use it only when forced. He prefers homeopathy to excessive use of technology. Again, Jean-Baptiste explains how he has learned – at the touch of Olivier Jullien – reasoning practices and how he became … patient. “In farming,” explained he, “I prefer to keep my wine in reducing conditions rather than making the customary racking. My mind is quieter. This side gear I will remove it in time, whereas if the opposite happens …! .
To summarize, the basement Mas Jullien is very functional and provides many opportunities for wine. Nevertheless, Olivier Jullien has always wanted to limit its actions on wine wine. And they make him out by giving an outstanding expression of their terroir.

Comments tasting wines of Mas Jullien:

The presentation of this area was included in our corpus of articles on the Terraces Larzac because, yes, Olivier Jullien is indeed currently undertaking the necessary steps so that some of its red wines that pass the Cape of name. With the support of this prestigious area, the name of Larzac Terraces is a slick extra star … I told you he is going to sound good things of this name!

Mas Jullien White 2008 – Wine of the Herault (also available in 2005)
White Grenache – Carignan White – Viognier – Roussanne – Clairette
white wine – 23 €

Clear, sunny, pale yellow of this wine explodes with light.
On the nose, the wine is not too exuberant. Served a little too fresh, it takes time to reveal its flavors and suddenly bam! We finally sees what the land gives us a series of subtle and delicate fragrances. The dominant mineral in the beginning, one feels the stone, flint, no wonder! Then comes the fruit, I felt the lemon confit. After aeration, the wine reveals notes warmer, floral, reminiscent of honey without disgust! A nice complexity that contrasts with the flavors usually seen in the whites of the region (certainly because of this “filthy” Carignan most hard white). “With him we can really go wild, we glide Jean-Baptiste.

In the mouth, this is where the difference is felt! The attack is fresh Sancerre wine and take a frame complex acid. I found my preserved lemon and mineral notes of flint. The palate is tight and remains focused and perfectly balanced. The combination of white Grenache and Carignan white works great! The wine lingers on the tongue for our greatest pleasure.

Regularly taking home the crown of the best white of the region, this wine has entered the history of Languedoc wine. After many years of observations, learnings, understandings, Olivier Jullien offers a white wine with a rich and remarkable freshness for the region. This wine is huge! Good fish sauce should sublimate …

Mas Jullien red 2007 – Coteaux du Languedoc (also available in 2005)
Syrah – Carignan – Grenache – Mourvedre
red wine – 25 €

The dress is red with blood …
The nose goes straight into the heart of the matter. A wonderful fruity note emerges from the glass. It reminds me of the black currant liqueur, it’s very clear! After cooling, the spicy notes take place (licorice, thyme). A touch of menthol is also noticeable. The nose invites delightful passage mouth!

The palate is relieved by a fresh powerful and almost refreshing. The balance is great. The tannins are fine, greedy and tense. The concentration suggests a fine guard. Everything is extremely well kept. One finds these fruity and spicy, the length is excellent. In short, we understand at this point all the praise that are made of this wine.
Coupled with a nice piece of beef, it should appeal (how can he do) but now reveal its full potential in 5-10 years, for those who have the patience. Undeniably, one of the pearls of the South of France. Try it , you can judge for yourself!

Thank you to Jean-Baptiste for his welcome! I’ll let you find the excellent vintages of Mas Jullien from our store for a tasting at the top of the Languedoc … Enjoy!