Mas Janeil

A semi-organic cultivation method called Biodynamics is applied to the estate. The fertilizers are organic (compost) and we cross ploughing to avoid grass (no herbicides). Yields are so low that we cannot accept competition from weeds.

The winegrower pushes the development of hedges between each plot to block a little the dishevelled wind (tramontane) that often sweeps us away. But also to maintain a fauna and flora (especially the aromatic species, rosemary, thyme, laurel...) that participate in the life of the vine.

On the highest plot of the estate, the wind is so strong that the vines have remained very small like "Bonsais"! The vinification of the grapes from these plots is done separately. It is the "Pas de la Mule" (so called because it was a passage of Mule in the cliff to go to Cucugnan).

Our story

First a tenant for 10 years, François bought the best plots of land in the estate when the previous owner retired. In total, 30 hectares, as well as 60 hectares of uncultivated moors that allow us to keep our friends the wild boars! Mas Janeil is a whole! We also keep access to the springs of the estate which later allowed us to set up irrigation on the driest plots.

For a Bordeaux native well accustomed to high vine densities and profitable yields, this was a shock. The winegrower had to review several of his ways of thinking both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Fortunately, François has worked his way through other terroirs and arrives on the estate with a very open mind.

That is why he is building a brand new winery to be able to apply a personal working method, very inspired by tradition, of course, but also with things like cold macerations in whole bunches, of which he is apparently the only user in this region.