Magnum Nuit Grave 2016 Mas des Chimères | Languedoc

Mas des Chimères ' Nuit Grave is one of the wine estate's most accomplished cuvées, a deep reflection of the tormented landscapes of the Terrasses du Larzac. On the red and black soils of this remote corner of the Languedoc, Guilhem Dardé raises his wines with rare rigor. Nuit Grave is a rigorous selection of the oldest Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Grenache vines, planted on ruff and basalt soils, where volcanic rock regulates the excesses of the Mediterranean climate. Winemaking is based on de-stemmed bunches, with long maceration in concrete vats, followed by 12 months ageing in old barrels, without new wood, to preserve the integrity of the fruit and the minerality of the terroir.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Nuit Grave embodies the most structured side of Languedoc reds, without denying the elegance typical of Terrasses du Larzac. The blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Grenache gives a subtle yet powerful expression of the Mas des Chimères personality. It impresses with its density, its grain of tannin, and that impression of shadow and freshness found only in great, well-born southern reds. It has depth, but also a remarkable balance for this region.

On the nose, the wine opens with intense aromas of wild blackberry, black cherry and plum. A second reading reveals notes of tapenade, dry garrigue, black pepper and bitter cocoa. A hint of graphite and smoke underline the complexity and evolutionary potential of this cuvée.

On the nose, the cuvée opens with notes of black fruit and spicy accents of pepper and garrigue. Floral and lightly woody scents provide fine structure, anchoring it deeply in its terroir. The balance between Syrah's spicy touch and floral freshness marks this cuvée with elegance.

On the palate, the texture is round, carried with vivacity by supple tannins. Sweet spices intertwine with ripe berries, confirming the harmony on the palate. The fresh, sapid finish evokes garrigue and lavender with a lovely freshness. The overall impression is one of depth and balance, the hallmark of Terrasses du Larzac.