Le Trescols 2024 Mas Jullien | Languedoc

Le Trescols 2024 | Mas Jullien

There are wines that are defined by their name before they are defined by their grape variety. “Trescols,” in Occitan, means “the pass that crosses”: a fitting image for this red from Mas Jullien, which transcends the usual boundaries of Languedoc-Roussillon. Olivier Jullien, a leading figure in the wine revival of the Terrasses du Larzac, has been crafting Terrasses du Larzac wines in Jonquières that defy standards and trends. Le Trescols is one of those cuvées whose blend varies from vintage to vintage, staying true to the terroir rather than a fixed formula.

Terroir and Grape Varieties

The vineyard is located at an altitude of approximately 400 meters, on a west-facing slope. The soils are clay-limestone, sometimes siliceous and sandstone, poor and well-drained: exactly the type of substrate that forces the vines to dig deep. There are significant temperature variations between day and night: the cool nights preserve the natural acidity in the berries, while the sunny days allow the Pinot Noir—more accustomed to the Burgundian climate than to the sunshine ofthe Aveyron IGP—to ripen slowly. Far from its native lands, at this altitude and on these well-drained soils, the grape variety develops a depth and complexity rarely attributed to it.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Olivier Jullien works according to organic and biodynamic principles, though he has chosen not to seek official certification—again, to avoid dogma. Soil cultivation, natural grass cover, compost: no chemical interventions are used. The grapes are harvested by hand, and fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts. As with previous vintages, the philosophy remains consistent: ageing takes place in Burgundy barrels that have held multiple wines, for a period of up to sixteen months for the 2022 vintage.

The Trescols 2024 | Mas Jullien: The Sommelier’s Review

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin

What immediately stands out is the choice of grape variety. Pinot Noir from the Aveyron IGP, vinified by Olivier Jullien: this is a wine that deserves a closer look. The Languedoc rarely produces reds with such a refined texture. Here, the altitude and poor soils do the work that the Mediterranean climate alone could not accomplish. The Trescols 2024 is a wine of precision, not power: that is precisely what makes it remarkable in its region. Serve it slightly chilled, around 16 °C, after allowing it to breathe briefly in the glass. The optimal drinking window extends from 2027 to 2033, but the 2024 vintage is already worth tasting now, with curiosity.

The Nose

The nose opens with fresh red fruits—morello cherry and slightly spicy raspberry. A subtle floral note, reminiscent of peony or dried rose, runs through the bouquet. Behind it, a cool mineral touch evokes the high altitude and sandstone soil. The profile is clean and taut, without excess body.

Palate

On the palate, the attack is supple, almost delicate. The body unfolds over a fine, persistent acid framework. The tannins are silky, barely perceptible—typical of a carefully aged Pinot. The balance leans toward freshness rather than concentration. The finish is long and mouth-watering, with a fruity and mineral aftertaste that makes you want to take another sip.

The Aveyron IGP: A Designation in Its Own Right

The IGP Aveyron is a protected geographical indication covering vineyards located in an environment atypical for southern France. The high altitudes, varied soils, and marked temperature fluctuations make it a terroir characterized by freshness, in contrast to the sun-drenched profiles of the Languedoc.