At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Region
- Roussillon
- Base
- Argelès-sur-Mer, facing the sea on the foothills of the Albères massif
- Vineyard
- 25 hectares, farmed organically and harvested by hand
- Range
- Dry and sweet wines across Muscat-de-Rivesaltes, IGP Côtes Catalanes, Rivesaltes and Côtes-du-Roussillon
- White varieties
- Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Roussanne, among others
The Producer
Mas Cristine farms 25 hectares of organic vines in Argelès-sur-Mer, with the vineyard facing the sea on the foothills of the Albères massif. Harvesting is entirely manual. The estate was taken over in 2006 after a long period specializing in Rivesaltes, and it has since produced a broad range of dry and sweet wines.
The domaine works to showcase the Albères terroir and the grape varieties planted in its old vines. Individual parcel characteristics shape each cuvée, whether it uses one grape variety or several. The range includes Muscat-de-Rivesaltes, IGP Côtes Catalanes, Rivesaltes and Côtes-du-Roussillon.
Place
The Mediterranean regulates temperature differences around the vineyard, softens winter conditions and brings cooling sea air on summer afternoons. The Tramontane is a dry northwesterly wind that can damage young spring shoots while reducing disease risk throughout the year.
The southern Albères sector contains ancient mica-schist and colluvium. At the foot of the massif, coarse alluvium and rounded stones form another vineyard ground. Mas Cristine also farms at Saint Jean Lasseille, where Tertiary lacustrine and marine deposits provide a separate setting for parcel work.
Wines
Mas Cristine makes both dry and sweet wines. The appellation range includes Muscat-de-Rivesaltes, IGP Côtes Catalanes, Rivesaltes and Côtes-du-Roussillon, giving the domaine several routes through the wines of the Roussillon.
Mas Cristine Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2017 and Le Grill Mas Cristine Blanc 2018 are white wines from Côtes du Roussillon. For Le Grill Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Macabeu are identified, with some versions listing additional varieties. Its stated drinking window is three years.
In The Glass
Mas Cristine Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2014 is a white blend built around Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Roussanne and Carignan Gris. One version also includes Vermentino, while another names Marsanne among the smaller additions. The wine combines fresh mineral notes with a broad, rich mouthfeel.
The 2014 wine was raised 60% in tank and 40% in barrels, without new wood. Tank ageing keeps the fruit profile clear, while barrel ageing adds a wider texture without new oak spice. Le Grill Blanc brings peach and citrus aromas, with a palate that combines minerality and a buttery quality. Another description gives the wine peach and mango notes with a broader, softer mouthfeel.
A Bottle To Understand It
Le Grill Mas Cristine Blanc 2018 is the bottle to open first. It is a white Côtes du Roussillon cuvée whose published specifications identify Grenache Blanc and Macabeu, with some versions listing additional varieties. The bottle combines a named cuvée, a stated appellation, an identified grape base and a three year drinking window.
Final Word
Organic farming, hand harvest and parcel led cuvées define Mas Cristine's wines from the Albères foothills, across dry and sweet styles.
Sources
- mascristine.com
- mascristine.com/le-vignoble
- www.hachette-vins.com/guide-vins/producteurs/34015/mas-cristine
- www.labouteilledoree.com/fr/cotes-du-roussillon/3794-mas-cristine-cotes-du-roussillon-blanc-2014.html
- www.caves-maillol.fr/produit/mas-cristine-le-grill-blanc
- saintcyprivin.com/boutique/nos-vins/vins-blancs/mas-cristine-le-grill-blanc
- www.roussillon.wine/les-ambassadeurs-2026