Mas des Bressades Quintessence AOP Costières de Nîmes 2021 Organic

In ancient philosophy, quintessence refers to the fifth element, as loosely interpreted by Cyril Mares, alongside earth (represented by the round Rhône stones), fire (the Mediterranean sun), water (heavy rain), and wind (the Mistral).

This wine comes from very old vines with extremely low yields of less than 20hl/ha, yet it ranks among the top growths of the Rhône at a fraction of the price.

Deeply dark and nearly opaque, the wine reveals itself in the glass, with a delicately brightened rim and a pronounced viscosity when swirled.

On the nose, it is tightly compact, suggesting it still needs time to fully unfold, with notes of liquorice, berries, and herbs that become more expressive with aeration.

On the palate, this wine is dense and massive yet remarkably elegant, with perfectly ripe tannins that deliver a powerful impact. The acidity, though restrained for Grenache, provides essential structure. Overall, it fills the mouth with its bold presence, indicating it will benefit from further ageing to reach its full potential. This wine exemplifies an exceptional price-quality ratio—a truly impressive offering from the Rhône Valley.

Pair it with beef, game, or lamb to fully appreciate its strengths and robust character.