Magnum Mas Jullien blanc 2023, IGP Pays d'Hérault Mas Jullien | Languedoc

Mas Jullien blanc embodies the meticulous, visionary work ofOlivier Jullien, one of Languedoc's most respected winemakers. Based in Jonquières, at the foot of the Terrasses du Larzac, he has built his style away from fashion and competition, by observing his soils, grape varieties and their reaction to the climate. Each plot has been analyzed in detail and vinified separately, in harmony with its needs. It was at the end of this in-depth work that Olivier Jullien chose to simplify the blend of his white wine, giving pride of place to Carignan Blanc, a forgotten grape variety that he feels is at its happiest on the wine estate's alluvial soils. Carignan Blanc offers depth, a straight structure and a rare ability to translate the nuances of the soil. Chenin and the other grape varieties he retains to complement it(Grenache blanc, Viognier, Clairette and Marsanne) bring the vivacity, intensity and élan needed to balance the wine. Winemaking is gentle, with no added yeast, fining or filtration, complemented by prolonged ageing on lees in demi-muids. Nothing is set in stone; everything is adjusted to the vintage.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Mas Jullien blanc far exceeds what you'd expect from a Languedoc white wine. It possesses a restraint, a quiet density, a form of balance that never forces itself. This is not a wine that seeks immediate effect, but rather precision and staying power over time. While it can be enjoyed with great pleasure when young, it is with age that it really impresses: it gains in breadth and depth, without losing that mineral tension that makes it unique. For me, this is quite simply the best Languedoc white wine from a price/pleasure point of view.

On the nose, the wine develops very airy notes of white flowers, complemented by a fresh, herbaceous side reminiscent of basil and chervil. The second nose gives off a light touch of sweet almond and fresh citrus, giving the wine a gentle, southern feel. A nose of great elegance.

On the palate, the ripeness of the grapes shines through, with a lively acidity that makes the wine particularly easy to digest despite its generous body. Notes of honey, lychee, hazelnut and marzipan emerge. A fine mineral tension structures the juicy, ample texture right through to the finish, which stretches smoothly with a hint of saline minerality.