Mas Cristine Cotes du Roussillon Blanc is another bargain from the wild south of France. It has magnificent texture with a delicious combination of rich stone fruit and herbal notes. The palate is held together brilliantly with subtle smoky oak flavours that add another dimension to the ripe tropical fruit. The estate is at the Southern edge of the Côtes du Roussillon appellation and has complex soils of schist, quartz and clays. Vines were first planted here around 1810, and the property today has magnificent holdings of Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne, Marsanne and Muscat. The wines are excellent value for money, display classic Roussillon flavours and aromas and would rival many Rhone blends at double the price.
Andy Cook lived and worked in St Andrews for many years before moving to New Zealand to study the art of wine making. After a few years honing his skills there he settled in the picturesque town of Collioure in the south of France. This is Catalan country, rugged and beautiful, just like the man himself. Andy now has a new purpose built, modern winery which was built in partnership with legendary Roussillon producer, Phillip Gard of Coume de Mas. He always has several projects on the go but his main focus is Mas Cristine, an old estate which produces classic Cotes de Roussillon wines. Tramontane wines which focus on easy drinking Southern French varietals and Consolation Wines which are small production wines made from the best parcels each year.
