Le Mazelet

The Vineyard

Le Mazelet is a family-owned organic vineyard nestled in the foothills of the Cevennes national park, west of the Rhône valley, at an altitude of 210 metres. The microclimate of the valley, with protection from the strong, northerly, Mistral winds, brings bright sunny days and cool nights towards the end of the season, allowing the grapes to achieve optimum maturity. Our terroir of clay limestone soils gives structure and fullness to the wines.

Five hectares of organic vineyards are planted with red grape varieties (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and new plantings of Cinsault and Pinot Noir) and white grape varieties (new plantings of Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Vermentino). Wild grasses, clover and mustard are left to growe between the vines for reasons of biodiversity and quality. No herbicides and pesticides are used, and the use of copper sulphate and sulphur are limited. Wildlife abounds. In spring, the vineyard echoes to the sound of frogs and in summer, the rows of vines are alive with insects, lizards and birds.

The Wine

Our philosophy is to stay as close to nature as possible, both for the grape growing process as well as the winemaking. All our grapes are selected and hand-picked in the vineyard. The wine is made in Le Mazelet cellars using spontaneous fermentation from indigenous yeast cultures. By preparing a pre-culture (‘pied de cuve’) just before harvesting, and by regulating the temperature, we ensure an effective and controlled primary fermentation. All the wines are bottled on site.

The Estate

The venture is a collaboration between Kim Nasmyth and Ronald van Breemen. In 2012, Oxford-based biochemist, Kim Nasmyth, bought the small, run-down vineyard and with the help of family and friends, set about restoring it. He was joined by Ronald van Breemen, a Dutch hotel professional, who has lived and worked in France since 2003. Together they share a passion for making organic wines with character and authenticity, under the watchful eye of the oenologue Matttieu Lequeux.

The Mas du Mazelet overlooks the terraces, vineyards and olive grove. Legend has it that one night in October XVII, during the wars of the Camisards, this 17^th Century presbytery was attacked by a group of Jean Cavalier’s men, the leader of the protestant Cévenol insurgents. The priest’s life was spared in exchange for a good dinner and a glass of wine.

Points of Sale

RESTAURANTS

CAVISTES

Events

Travel to the beautiful wine region of the ‘Piemont Cévénol’ and visit our privately run vineyard. In our ‘petit’ cellar you can see, smell and taste our range of wines.

All year by appointment +33 617.25.56.87

Contact

Kim Nasmyth & Ronald van Breemen

LE MAZELET
Mas du Mazelet,
30140 Saint Félix de Pallières,
France, n° siret 80121660700011 TEL: +33(0)6 17 25 56 87
info*at*lemazelet.com

OPENING HOURS: All year around by appointment