Domaines Paul Mas, one of the leading wine companies in the South of France, has been awarded the prestigious title of European Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine in their Wine Star Awards 2020.
The Domaines, founded by Jean Claude Mas in 2000, now encompass 15 different estates right across the Languedoc region, from the Roussillon in the far west of the region, all the way to Nîmes near the Rhône river in the east.
Owner and Chief Winemaker Jean Claude Mas comments :
"This an achievement! considering the importance of US media. Ever since Tim Atkin recognized us in 2008, we have achieved some significant results in competition. Over the past 20 years we have learned how to manage 25 different terroirs and how to vinify 45 different grape varieties, and this year we will have vinified around 20 million bottles of wine from our 2340 hectares of vineyard".
"We have our own rules when it comes to sustainable winemaking, and we've established several processes and relationships when it comes to working ethically and ecologically. It is a 360˚ approach.
"I'm proud to have established a new model when it comes to winemaking in France, and I'm very grateful to Wine Enthusiast for this recognition in our 20th year of existence."
This year marks the 21st anniversary of Wine Enthusiast's Annual Wine Star Awards, honouring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the wine and alcohol beverage world. The winners are announced in the magazine's Best of Year issue.
Wine Enthusiast said of the winning winery:
"Founder Jean Claude Mas set out to reinvent the viticultural traditions of the Languedoc while above all respecting the land and preserving its future. The firm's growth has been exponential."
Previous winners of the European Winery of the Year include Tasca d'Almerita from Sicily, Gonzalez Byass in Jerez and Fontanafredda in Piemonte. Domaines Paul Mas is the first French winery to win the prestigious title since Château d'Esclans in 2015.
Please click here to view and buy the range of Paul Mas wines available at Helmsley Wines.