Nuit Grave 2023 Mas des Chimères | Languedoc

Description of the 2023 Nuit Grave | Mas des Chimères

The Nuit Grave 2023 is one of the most successful vintages from Mas des Chimères, an estate founded in 1993 by Guilhem Dardé on the shores of Lake Salagou in Languedoc. The Dardé family has been cultivating these lands for several generations, guided by a consistent philosophy: to authentically showcase the expression of the terroir, without artifice.

Terroir and Grape Varieties

The estate is characterized by the diversity of its soils. Nuit Grave is a selection of the oldest Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache Noir, whose roots extend deep into the basalt soil of the Terrasses du Larzac and into the red “ruffes,” which naturally limit yields, thereby promoting concentration of flavor.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The estate is certified organic. The grapes are harvested by hand, and fermentation takes place with native yeasts in concrete tanks. Maceration is lengthy: five weeks for Syrah, up to eight weeks for the other grape varieties. This approach extends the process without forcing the extraction of tannins and pigments. Aging lasts 12 months in used oak barrels, which preserves the fruit without weighing it down with woody notes.

Nuit Grave 2023 | Mas des Chimères: The Sommelier’s Review

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin

For several years now, Les Terrasses du Larzac has been producing some of the most flavorful and acclaimed red wines in the Languedoc. This Nuit Grave 2023 boasts a beautiful balance between the southern generosity of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, and an unexpected freshness for this blend. Already very enjoyable, this 2023 vintage will continue to mature until 2033. After a brief decanting when young, serve at 17°C in attractive wine glasses.

The Nose

On the nose, aromas of violet and ripe blackberry coulis unfold, mingled with peppery notes and a hint of incense that lends it depth. Upon aeration, accents of bay leaf emerge in the background—discreet yet persistent.

On the palate, the attack is round and velvety. The structure is dense, with delicate tannins integrated with a precision that reveals the length of the maceration. The lively, slightly tangy freshness may come as a surprise and energizes the whole before a finish with notes of raspberry and white pepper, along with a juicy hint of cherry that prolongs the indulgent sensation.

Les Terrasses du Larzac: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation

Les Terrasses du Larzac is one of the most distinctive appellations in southern France. Recognized as a full-fledged AOC in 2014, it spans landscapes of basalt plateaus and red, iron-rich soils north of Montpellier. The authorized grape varieties are those of the Grand Sud region, including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault. The altitude and the volcanic composition of the soil give these wines a freshness and minerality that are exceptional for this region.