Home > Producer Profiles > Roussillon Profiles > Domaine Mas Cremat

Domaine Mas Cremat

The estate at Domaine Mas Cremat has its origins in the 19th Century, if not earlier, but the current owner, Catherine Jeannin, purchased the 30 hectare estate in 1990. Catherine comes from the Mongeard-Mugneret family in Burgundy, and took on the estate here with her husband in what might be regarded as an expansion of the Mongeard-Mugneret family business. It was a cruel tragedy that her husband's life was cut short by a stroke at the all-too-youthful age of 43 years. Despite this tragedy, Catherine Jeannin continues to run Domaine Mas Cremat, and with two children now having left home to study oenology, one in Bordeaux and one having returned to the family's roots in Dijon, it seems this winemaking dynasty is set to continue in Roussillon.

Domaine Mas Cremat The wines produced here are absolutely typical of the region, although some say that a Burgundian elegance shines through. The entire 30 ha are black schist, a desirable terroir, and the fruit is harvested manually and fermented using temperature-controlled equipment. There is a domaine Muscat Sec, an equal blend of Muscat de Frontignan (a synonym for Muscat à Petit Grains) and the inferior Muscat d'Alexandrie, and matured in barrel for two months. The Cuvée Balmettes, a vin de pays, is 60% Maccabeu and 20% each of Grenache Blanc and, Carignan Blanc (a white mutation of Carignan peculiar to Roussillon and Languedoc), all fermented separately. A corresponding red vin de pays, the Cuvée Tamarius, sees Grenache and Carignan co-fermented and macerated for twelve days, before five months including malolactic in barrel.

The wines of Mas Cremat get really interesting with the two Côtes du Roussillon cuvées; the domaine bottling is Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from vines averaging 25 years of age, harvested at 45 hl/ha, fermented separately, undergoing malolactic in tank where it is stored for eight months before bottling. The main distinguishing feature of the Cuvée Bastien, a Côtes du Roussillon Villages, is that the Syrah and Mourvèdre here is aged in oak for one year. Finally the Muscat de Rivesaltes, like the dry wine a 50/50 blend, which spends three months in tanks before bottling. (20/7/06)

Contact details:
Address: 66600 Espira de l'Agly
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 68 38 92 06
Fax: +33 (0) 6 68 38 92 23
Internet: www.mascremat.com

Domaine Mas Cremat - Tasting Notes

Click to locate stockists.

2004

Domaine Mas Cremat Muscat Sec 2004: A typically perfumed Muscat nose, carried through onto the palate where it is presented in a soft, soapy, overly perfumed character. Rather blowsy it terms of flavour, although it does have some decent underlying structure. But this is not my style at all. 13/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Mas Cremat VdP des Côtes Catalanes Les Balmettes 2004: This is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Carignan Blanc. A little herby on the nose, but otherwise fairly reticent. Dry, firm, grippy style on the palate, with great, fresh acidity. Very structured wine, would be just great with food; hopefully that nose will open out a little more. 16/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Mas Cremat VdP des Côtes Catalanes La Tamarius 2004: This is Grenache Noir and Carignan. A fairly pale colour, and a quite typical cherry Grenache nose. The palate is soft and undemanding, presenting rather simple cherry fruit like that on the nose. Rather prominent acidity. A rustic style, bistro wine. 14.5/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Mas Cremat Côtes du Roussillon 2004: A blend of Syrah and Grenache Noir. This has a much deeper hue than the preceding vin de pays,, with rather a glossy appearance. Closed down on the nose. Lovely, creamy texture on the palate, again showing little at present, but putting on a very nice display of softly ripe tannins. Very good style here; needs 3-4 years minimum. 16.5+/20 (October 2005)

Domaine Mas Cremat Muscat de Rivesaltes 2004: A pleasing discovery of a fresh and floral nose. Rather midweight palate, creamy and nicely presented, a little fatness but with fresh, balanced acidity, and with plenty of floral and mineral interest. This is how Muscat de Rivesaltes should be. Very good. 16.5/20 (October 2005)

2002

Domaine Mas Cremat Côtes du Roussillon Villages Cuvée Bastien 2002: A blend of Syrah, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre all from black schist, aged en barrique for one year. Smoky, wood influenced nose, also showing dark, macerated, cherry pie fruit. Fine style on the palate, still a little raw in terms of structure at present but with a lovely, seamless texture. Beautiful flavour profile. This is very good indeed. Just about ready now, but will improve for years. 17.5+/20 (October 2005)