Mas Janeil Sans Soufre is a no added sulphur or preservative French rosé that I would enjoy even without knowing it was made without added sulphur. It is not a light hearted pink but rather, it is a whole hearted pink.

While still coming from the south of France, this is no pale hued Provence wine. Francois Lurton has sourced the grapes from the Côtes du Roussillon and fashioned a blend of Mourvedre (31%), Grenache Gris (31%), Carignan (19%) and Syrah (19%). The red grapes in particular have plenty of vine age between them, starting with the ‘youthful’ Syrah with 15 -20 years. Both the Mourvedre (35-45 yrs) and the Grenache (45-55 yrs) vines are goblet trained. 

Once in the winery, the grapes are fermented in halfmuids of 600 Litres and concrete eggs. This allows freer movement of lees to add texture and maintain freshness. To prevent spoilage due to oxidation the wine is then bottled without being exposed to the air. 

The salmon colour has a twist of orange highlights running through it. In the glass the peach and strawberry fruit melds with a smoky minerality and some cinnamon cream. It has a soft ‘glossy’ texture with a fuller rounded body. That curvaceousness continues to extend the length. 

Pour a glass of this Mas Janeil sans soufre rosé with some chicken and lardons smacked with pesto and wrapped in light pastry and you are set. Or maybe, swap out the chicken and lardons for roast veggies. Whatever you choose, do serve it with just a light chill. It is not a wine to be ‘froséd’.

Quickie review «This is a hard to put down, curvaceous and glossy roséthat lets its generous nature shine through.»

Country of Origin: Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France
Tasting Date: May 2019
Price: €24| UK£19
Drink: now -2 years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting 

Note: ‘sans soufre ajoute’ means ‘no sulphur added.’

Want more:

Click here to read about other South of France rosé wines.

Want to know more about Preservative or sulphur free wines? Please click here to read ‘Are Sulphur Free wines actually any good?’

Interested in other low sulphur wines that I have tasted? Please read Cherubino Laissez Faire Fiano and Champagne Pascal Doquet wines.

Visit Mas Janeil for more information.