At the end of the 1900s, Jean-Louis Geniest grouped together the family vineyards to build up the Mas Saint Louis estate. The acquisition and renovation of the Maison Vigneronne in 1909 - in the Clos district of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, accelerated the development of the estate along with the first harvests. Louis, Jean-Louis' grandson, acquired new vineyards and Mas Saint Louis estate now covers about 30 hectares in a single block enabling for extreme consistency in the Geniest wines.
Presentation
Presentation
Mas Saint-Louis, built on a sandy mount gently sloping, drawn-out vineyards are planted in sandy soils, decalcified red clays and gravelly pebbles of various sizes, allowing for precise and textured wines of immense finesse. Les Arpents des Contrebandiers (smugglers) is made from old vines planted near a river arm used a century ago by smugglers.
Location
In the south of the appellation, in the typically named localities of "Crousroute" and "La Lionne", in the immediate vicinity of a former branch of the Rhône called the Bras des Armeniers, now a fishing reserve.
Terroir
Classic terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape : sand with pebble stones.
Winemaking
Utilizing organic farming practices (although not certified), the grapes are hand-picked and sorted with traditional winemaking techniques, fermented and macerated for one month.
Ageing
Aged 12 months in half-muids and foudres (for half of the volume) and concrete vessels. Blended before bottling.
Varietals
Grenache noir : 75%
Mourvèdre : 10%
Syrah : 10%
Cinsault : 5%
Mourvèdre : 10%
Syrah : 10%
Cinsault : 5%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14,5 % vol.
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Serving
T° of service: 16°C / 61°F.
Ageing potential
Enjoy all year long, 10 to 15 years
Tasting
Deep purple color, aromatic nose with typical red fruits notes combined with floral aromas (violet). Palate is full and complex with refined tannins, which structured the wine and give it a tense line. Long final, complex and balanced wine.
Food pairings
Meat in sauce, red meat, cheese, game, pigeon in sauce.
Reviews
"The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Arpents Des Contrebandiers is also rock-solid, and it too is going to need bottle age. Riper black cherries, licorice, roasted garrigue, and iron define the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied and tannic. Hide bottles for 2-4 years."
