A Delicious Grenache for Steak

We adore Grenache-dominant wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, particularly when they're blended with lesser quantities of complementary grapes to provide structure and freshness to balance the alluring natural juiciness of Grenache.

Today's offering is a wonderful example of this style of wine and it's absolutely delicious on its own or paired with a rib eye steak.

François Lurton Mas Janeil Le Petit Pas 2014
(Languedoc-Roussillon, France)

François Lurton is the fifth generation of his family to be in the wine business in France, as their winemaking roots date back to 1897.

Mas Janeil landed on François' and Jacques' radar in 1996 when they became enamored with the Vallée de l'Agly (an area within the Pyrénées Orientales in the southern portion of the Languedoc-Roussillon) and its breathtaking landscape, prompting them to rent the estate.

The old Grenache vines on the property showed vast potential immediately, conveying the different characteristics of the terroir.

Mas Janeil is 59 acres and situated in the commune of Maury in the Roussillon region at the base of a cliff which harbors Château de Quéribus (Cathar Castle). Mas Janeil is committed to sustainable agriculture and does not use pesticides, weed killers or any synthetic chemicals in any of the vineyards.

Consequently, an eco-responsible logo can be found on the back of the bottles which depicts their internal chart of not impacting the environment.

Mas Janeil is a fruit-driven wine, generously round and fresh, made with grapes vinified by the carbonic maceration method. It is a relaxed wine best drunk young and cool.

A blend of 55% Grenache Noir, 22% Syrah, 18% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre, it's a beautiful garnet red color. It has an intense yet elegant nose with notes of fresh fruit mixed with spices and gradually developing hints of liquorice and smoke. These flavors mingle on the smooth, structured palate that has well-integrated tannins. Good length and freshness make this a pleasant, easy drinking wine.

"This bright red is fruit-forward, with plenty of raspberry, red plum and cherry notes, offset with hints of licorice snap and fresh herb. Light tannins line the clean, lip-smacking finish. Drink now. 200 cases imported." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 87 points

$17.99/bottle or $172.70/12 pack case ($14.39/bottle) or just $14.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

Winter Hours Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m Sunday: 10 to 6 p.m.   We're open year round. Closed only on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.