Out for the day! Went to the Corbieres region again, just north of here. We visited earlier in the year when we checked out the old Cathar ruin “Queribus Castle”. Our purpose for today’s adventure was to visit a winery called Mas de la Deveze, owned and run by a lovely French couple Simon and Nathalie. We met Nathalie in Thuir recently at a wine tasting. The drive was lovely, lots of varied terrain, but pretty hilly, rocky and dry most of the way. We drove through Estagel and on to Tautavel, then headed for the Vallee de l’Agly – our destination. As we entered the valley the countryside suddenly changed. Vineyards everywhere, full of autumn colours – mountains in the distance on one side and rocky hills on the other. We made our way along Route des Mas, a long narrow road that moves along the valley floor towards Mas de la Deveze. It took us at least three times as long as it should have – we stopped numerous times to take photos. Many have been included below – apologies in advance!
We finally arrived at Mas de la Deveze where Simon showed us the wines – Nathalie is in Belguim on business. The wines were excellent and Simon was a very helpful, friendly host. He even managed to mediate a rather loud argument between his three children while looking after us. He is in charge of everything while Nathalie is away. The cellar door is in a detached stone building with amazing views. The winery is in an old barn adjoining the farmhouse – all on a large scale. Because the vineyard and winery are relatively new everything is modern. The winemaking equipment and tanks are all shiny and up to date. There is also had a great barrel room and a very cool storage area. Those old buildings are great for winemaking! We came away with 2 bottles of the same 2014 red – mainly mourvedre with some grenache and cardignan. The one that got away was a 2013 version of the same wine – it received 92 points from Robert Parker. We were keen to try but it has sold out. Never mind!
Hope you enjoy the photos!!!
Love again
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Europe, France, House Sits, Thuir, Pyrenees Orientales, Thuir, Pyrenees Orientales (1)