Paul Mas

Domaines Paul Mas – Family Tradition and New Languedoc

Anyone wanting to understand why the Languedoc is now one of France's most exciting wine regions cannot ignore Jean-Claude Mas. His company, Domaines Paul Mas, founded in 2000 , exemplifies the transformation of a region that was long underestimated – and now produces world-class wines. The foundation for this success was laid by Jean-Claude's great-grandfather, Auguste Mas , who in 1892 purchased the first family vineyard in Mas de Bicq near Pézenas, initially with just 9 hectares of vines. Over generations, the estate grew: in 1934, Raymond Mas expanded the property to 15 hectares, and later, Paul Mas, together with his brother Maxime, increased the area to 120 hectares.

When Jean-Claude Mas inherited around 86 acres of vineyards from his father in 1987 , he could have simply managed the family legacy. Instead, he opted for a complete reinvention. A pivotal moment came in 1992 when he met the Italian winemaker Giorgio Grai , who introduced him to the art of blending and stylistic winemaking. After studying economics and advertising, and enjoying success in wine importing in England and the USA, Mas returned to the Languedoc with a clear goal: to restore the Languedoc to its former glory.

Philosophy: Rural Luxury

“ Luxe Rural ” – rural luxury in the truest sense – is the guiding principle that Jean-Claude Mas has formulated for his winery. By this, he doesn't mean expensive labels, but rather wines born from genuine respect for the land and its terroirs, yet accessible to everyone. Most Paul Mas wines cost less than US$25; quality should not be a privilege.

He underpins this claim with consistent work in the vineyard: 100% of the vineyards are HVE-certified (High Environmental Value), 80% are cultivated according to organic principles, 40% of which are AB-certified. The use of chemical agents has been prohibited on the estates for years. For Jean-Claude Mas, this is not a selling point, but a matter of course. Despite the enormous growth – today the company produces 25 million bottles annually, which are exported to over 80 countries – he visits each of his estates personally, week after week.

The region: Languedoc in all its breadth

The vineyards of Domaines Paul Mas extend across the most prestigious sites in the Languedoc. Over 850 hectares, including 440 hectares in the Crus Pézenas, Grès de Montpellier, Terrasses du Larzac, and Limoux, form the backbone of the portfolio. These are complemented by estates in Minervois, Corbières, and other appellations. Jean-Claude Mas has identified 17 distinct terroirs that shape the character of the 45 grape varieties cultivated – from gravelly clay-limestone in the Hérault Valley to limestone and fossil soils on the slopes of the Thau marshes.

Château Paul Mas itself comprises three estates: the château with 25 hectares in Conas near Pézenas, the cellar with 80 hectares in Nicole near Montagnac – where the Clos des Mûres is produced – and 40 hectares in Caux. The company is considered the largest privately owned winery in France outside of Champagne .

Style & Wines

Domaines Paul Mas's portfolio is deliberately broad – and that's a strength, not a weakness. It ranges from the lively, everyday wines of the Côté Mas line and the popular Arrogant Frog to expressive premium wines like Clos Astélia , Château Crès Ricards , and Domaine du Silène . Emblematic of the estate are Clos des Mûres, a classic red Languedoc, and Belluguette , the flagship of their white wines. The Vignes de Nicole line, available in red, white, and rosé, is also produced under the IGP Pays d'Oc designation.

What all the wines have in common is a clear commitment to the terroir: Jean-Claude Mas does not want to cater to international tastes, but rather to capture the essence of the Languedoc in the bottle – fresh, aromatic, honest.

Awards

The quality of their work is internationally recognized: In 2020, Wine Enthusiast named Domaines Paul Mas "European Winery of the Year" —the first French winery to win this title in a long time. At Mundus Vini, the estate won the title of "Best French Producer" three times in a row.

The product range at Vinoscout

At Vinoscout you'll find 16 wines from Paul Mas, priced between €2.70 and €12.80. Particularly popular are:

• Paul Mas Syrah Rosé (6.49 EUR) – a single-varietal rosé with aromas of wild strawberries, pink grapefruit and a hint of spice, silky texture and refreshing finish.
• Paul Mas Le Rosé (7.85 EUR)
• Paul Mas Chardonnay Vin de Pays d'Oc (6.49 EUR)
• Paul Mas Cabernet de Cabernet Vin de Pays d'Oc (6.49 EUR)
• Paul Mas Syrah-Grenache Noir (6.49 EUR)
• Paul Mas Chardonnay 0.25 l (2.70 EUR) – ideal as a tasting format

The range covers the entire spectrum of the house: from fresh rosé wines to aromatic white wines and full-bodied reds – all at prices that do justice to the claim “Luxe Rural”.