Maury AOC, Mas Amiel
🧐 Quick Verdict – Why the Mas Amiel Vintage Grenat 2020 Maury AOC Deserves a Place in Your Cellar
If you are looking for a naturally sweet red wine with serious depth, elegance, and a story to tell—look no further than the Mas Amiel Vintage Grenat 2020. Crafted from Grenache Noir in the sun-drenched foothills of the Roussillon, this Vin Doux Naturel captures the warmth of the Mediterranean with refined precision.
A luscious and youthful take on fortified wine, the Vintage Grenat delivers ripe red and black fruits, cocoa, and spice—wrapped in a silky, mouth-coating texture and lifted by just the right touch of freshness.
This is not your typical dessert wine—it’s more versatile, more vibrant, and more complex. Whether you're discovering Maury for the first time or revisiting it with a fresh lens, this bottle is a must-have for lovers of bold, gourmet wines with a twist.
What Is the Maury AOC?
Located in the heart of the Roussillon in Southern France, Maury AOC is known for its fortified red wines made primarily from Grenache Noir. These Vin Doux Naturels (VDN) are made by adding grape spirit during fermentation to preserve natural sugars and enhance richness.
What makes Maury special?
A Mediterranean climate with intense sunshine
Schist soils that retain heat and promote ripeness
Powerful yet elegant wines with great aging potential
These wines are sweet, structured, and expressive, often compared to Port—but with a distinctly French soul.
🍇 About Mas Amiel
Mas Amiel is one of the most historic and revered estates in Maury. Founded in 1816 and now encompassing over 170 hectares, the domaine sits between the Pyrenees and the Corbières mountains, where schist-rich soils, wild herbs, and Tramontane winds shape an extraordinary terroir.
Since the early 2000s, under the stewardship of Olivier Decelle, Mas Amiel has pioneered organic and biodynamic farming. Their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and traditional winemaking has made them a benchmark for quality, sustainability, and innovation in the region.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep garnet red, almost opaque, with purple reflections—visually intense and seductive.
Nose: Bursting with aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, plum, and sweet spice, supported by cocoa, licorice, and a faint herbal edge.
Palate: Rich and velvety, this wine offers a bold expression of fruit and texture. The natural sweetness is seamlessly integrated, never cloying, supported by soft tannins and a refreshing acidity. The finish is long, spiced, and chocolatey, with lingering notes of fruit compote and garrigue.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Temperature
Pair It With:
Chocolate desserts (fondant, mousse, tart)
Red or dark fruit dishes (black forest cake, cherry clafoutis)
Strong cheeses (Bleu d’Auvergne, Stilton)
Spiced meats (duck with cherry glaze, venison with dark fruit sauce)
Or sip it solo as a post-dinner digestif
Serving Tip: Serve slightly chilled, ideally between 10–12°C (50–54°F) to maintain freshness and keep the balance between sweetness, acidity, and alcohol perfectly in check.
When a naturally sweet red wine is consumed at too high a temperature, several aspects of the tasting experience can be affected. Here are a few potential issues:
Exaggeration of sweetness: Naturally sweet wines, like Maury AOC, can appear overly sweet at higher temperatures. Heat amplifies sweet sensations, making the wine feel too heavy or "syrupy" on the palate, which can mask the complexity and other subtle aromas.
Loss of balance: Naturally sweet wines often have a delicate balance between sweetness, acidity, and tannins. Served too warm, the wine may lose this balance, with excess heat disrupting its freshness and making the wine less enjoyable.
Dominant aromas: At a too-high temperature, the fruity, spicy, and other subtle notes may dissipate. The heavier elements of the wine (like sugar or alcohol) may become too prominent, overshadowing the other characteristics that make the wine interesting.
More noticeable alcohol: Naturally sweet wines often have a relatively high alcohol content. At a warmer temperature, the alcohol becomes more noticeable, which can make the wine feel hotter and less elegant.
❤️ Why We Love It (And Why You Might Too)
What makes the Mas Amiel Vintage Grenat 2020 stand out?
Authenticity: A true expression of the Maury terroir—sun-drenched, schist-driven, and Grenache-powered
Balance: Rich and sweet, yet fresh and drinkable—a rare combination
Craftsmanship: Produced by a pioneering estate committed to biodynamic and traditional practices
Versatility: A dessert wine that pairs just as well with chocolate as it does with game or cheese
This wine offers the generosity of a fortified wine without the weight—making it an unforgettable experience for both the curious and the connoisseur.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. The Mas Amiel Vintage Grenat 2020 isn’t just a sweet wine—it’s a gourmet red treasure that showcases the artistry of the Maury appellation. Rich, bold, and endlessly drinkable, it brings something truly different to the table—perfect for collectors, explorers, and lovers of luscious, terroir-driven reds.
Recommended for:
Fortified wine lovers seeking something fruitier and fresher than Port
Adventurous drinkers exploring lesser-known French AOCs
Dessert wine fans who want red-fruited sweetness with elegance
Gift givers looking for something unique and luxurious
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Mas Amiel, Vintage Grenat, Maury AOC Details:
Type of Wine: Red Wine
Style: Sweet Wine - Vin Doux Naturel (VDN)
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol Content: 17% Vol
Retail Price in France: €20.50
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region