Domaine de Majas Côtes Catalanes Blanc IGP 2023

The year is 1992. Alain Carrère has founded Domaine de Majas with his wife Agnès, after taking over the vines from his father. Even today, the vast majority of Côtes du Roussillon AOC is mass produced by cave cooperatives and by the early 1990’s the co-ops way of operating made living off of viticulture nearly impossible, resulting in roughly three-quarters of the region’s vines getting ripped up by their owners. Those who continued to grow grapes, like Alain’s father, felt pressure by the caves to replant their vines to varieties popular in Bordeaux, like merlot, to capitalize on the increasing demand for this style of wine. While initially successful, it eventually backfired and furthered the damage to the AOC’s reputation. When Alain took over in the early ‘90s, he was uncompromising in his decision to start an independent estate, beginning with a mere 2 hectares of vines. After a tumultuous few years and a stint contracting wine to supermarkets and a chance encounter with Tom Lubbe of Matassa, the two struck up an unlikely partnership, with Tom telling Alain he would help rebuild the estate from the ground up. Immediately, they converted to organic viticulture and eliminated all commercial yeasts, additives, and excessive use of sulphur in the cellar. We are all for second chances, and Domaine de Majas has certainly proven worthy of the reconsideration. This wine is lush and expressive, offering bright yellow and green fruits and yuzu curd garnished with ground pistachios. Weighted but with zippy acidity, the wine is a soulful expression of a terroir still misunderstood. Pair with green mango salad or savory cheesecake garnished with fresh herbs. Certified organic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.