Oeillade 2025 Mas des Chimères | Languedoc

Description: Oeillade 2025 | Mas des Chimères

Oeillade 2025 is the entry-level wine from Mas des Chimères, a family-owned estate founded in 1993 by Guilhem Dardé in Octon, on the shores of Lake Salagou. This light, fruity red wine is part ofthe IGP Côteaux du Salagou, a unique appellation in the inland Languedoc region . A wine for immediate enjoyment, not intended for aging, that faithfully expresses its terroir.

Terroir and Grape Varieties

The Cinsault vines take root in well-drained, slightly sandy-clay soils with low fertility, which naturally limit yields and foster a beautiful aromatic concentration in the berries. Cinsault, the quintessential southern grape variety, thrives in this environment, characterized by light soils and Mediterranean warmth tempered by the proximity of Lake Salagou. Here, it fully expresses its personality through a fresh and delicate profile, focused on pure, vibrant fruit.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The estate is managed using Ecocert-certified organic farming methods. The grapes are harvested by hand and destemmed before vinification. This decision to destem preserves the aromatic finesse of the Cinsault while minimizing vegetal notes and astringency. Winemaking is deliberately restrained to highlight the purity of the fruit, without excessive extraction or prolonged aging.

Oeillade 2025 | Mas des Chimères: The Sommelier’s Review

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin

Often underestimated, Cinsault reveals all its finesse here in the hands of Guilhem Dardé, who has crafted an authentic, thirst-quenching red deeply rooted in the Salagou terroir. The Oeillade 2025 embraces simplicity, without artifice or oak aging, allowing the fruit and the identity of the terroir to fully express themselves. Serve chilled, around 17°C, within a year of bottling. This vintage is best enjoyed starting in 2026 to fully appreciate its vibrant fruit and freshness.

The Nose

The nose opens with aromas of crisp red fruits, with strawberry and fresh cherry leading the way. Delicate floral notes, reminiscent of peony, add a touch of finesse to the overall profile. The flavor profile is clean and light, distinguished by its freshness. In the background, a subtle spicy note evokes the garrigue of the Languedoc hinterland.

On the palate

On the palate, the wine captivates with a supple and fruity attack. The texture, light and delicate, reflects the style of Cinsault crafted with finesse, without excessive extraction. The tannins are well-integrated, lending a silky texture, while fresh acidity balances the wine and extends the tasting experience with a mouth-watering finish. An easy-drinking wine, yet one with a true sense of terroir.

The Côteaux du Salagou: An Appellation Worth Discovering

The Côteaux du Salagou is a unique IGP in the Languedoc, centered around Lake Salagou, carved into red soils of ruffes and basalt. The lake’s microclimate tempers the excess heat of the Mediterranean and preserves a nighttime coolness that is essential for developing aromas.

L’Oeillade du Mas des Chimères exemplifies the appellation’s potential, offering a fresh, light, and authentic terroir-driven wine—a far cry from the typical sunny, powerful Languedoc styles. A delightful alternative to the sun-drenched, concentrated Languedoc reds, it emphasizes the finesse of the fruit and suppleness on the palate. A wonderful choice for discovering this other facet of the Languedoc.