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 17th 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.
Gallery
Points of Sale
RESTAURANTS
- Auberge de Valestalière, Monoblet
- El Gusanillo, St. Hippolyte du Fort
- La Taverne, Anduze
- Le Garage des Cévennes, Anduze
- Restaurant Le Real, Durfort
- Au Bon Jaja, Sauve
- Bistro de la Tour, Sauve
- La Porte des Cévennes, Anduze
- Les Sains Bonheurs, St. Bauzille de Putois
- Winebar Restaurant Le Cheval Blanc, Nîmes
CAVISTES
- Les Vins d’Ici et d’Alieurs, Anduze
- BIOCOOP Anduze
- Le cellier de Florian, Sauve
- Les vignerons de la porte des Cévennes, Masillargues-Atuech
- Les caves de St-Jean, caviste St Jean du
Gard - Alimentation Utile, Lasalle
- Huile et Vin, caviste Alès
- La Cave d’Alès, Alès
- La Mère Minard, St Q. la Poterie
- Chez Lucette, St Q la
Poterie - Le Marchand de vins, caviste Uzes
- Caveau de la Tour, St Ambroix
- La Feuille de Vigne Savoyarde, Samoëns
- Le Vin Qui Parle, Paris(5ᵉ, 11ᵉ et 12ᵉ arr.)
- La Cave du Canal, Paris (10ᵉ arr.)
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
photography by Jelle Mulder & Norbert Wabnig
web design by Laura Nasmyth & Eyefinity Media
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