Mas de Cadenet - 'Sainte Victoire' - Rosé of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah - Provence, FR - 2025

Notes from the Winery/Importer

Sainte-Victoire is one of the new crus in Provence, with only 24 winemakers. Due to the special terroir and micro-climate of this area, Mas de Cadenet has more persistence and structure than a typical Provençal rosé. Cadenet employs traditional methods: free-run juice is drawn off as soon as the soft pink color begins to show during a cold maceration. 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault, 10% Syrah.Refined, fresh, and well-balanced with an elegant fruit and beautiful hue. Certified organic.

Notes on the Producer

The Negrel family has farmed the Mas de Cadenet for the last 200 years; organically for the last 35. The 40ha domaine lies just under the stunning Sainte-Victoire mountain made famous by the painter Paul Cézanne. The limestone chain, rising 3000ft above an ocean of vineyards, rarely spreads its precious broken down rocks but here gives Mas de Cadenet its edge, its distinctive cut, its personality. Guy Negrel, a founding father of the sub-appellation system in Provence has been joined by his children Maud and Matthieu whose expertise in the pristine cellar is considered benchmark by many. 

Grapes & Style

Grenache

Grenache is one of the great Mediterranean red grapes, central to the southern Rhône, Spain, and many of the warmer, drier wine regions around the world. It’s known as Garnacha in Spain, where it has deep roots, and it plays a major role in wines from places like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Priorat, Navarra, and the Sierra de Gredos.

In the vineyard, Grenache ripens late and likes heat, sun, and wind. It can handle drought well, but it needs thoughtful farming because it can produce high alcohol and soft structure if pushed too far. Old vines are especially valuable, often giving naturally lower yields and more concentrated fruit.

In the glass, Grenache tends toward red fruit, strawberry, raspberry, dried herbs, spice, and a warm, generous texture. It’s usually lighter in color than its flavor suggests, with moderate tannin and plenty of charm. The best versions balance ripeness with freshness, showing warmth without becoming heavy.

Cinsault

Cinsault is a Mediterranean red grape with a long history in southern France, North Africa, and parts of the eastern Mediterranean. It’s often used in blends, especially with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, but it can also make beautiful varietal wines when treated gently.

In the vineyard, Cinsault is productive, drought-tolerant, and well suited to warm, dry climates. Because it can crop heavily, quality depends on thoughtful farming and restraint. It has also been important historically as a table grape and as a parent of Pinotage, the South African cross with Pinot Noir.

In the glass, Cinsault tends to be pale, fragrant, and easy on its feet, with red fruit, flowers, spice, and soft tannins. It’s often used to bring perfume and lift to blends, but the best standalone versions are lovely precisely because they don’t try too hard. Light, fresh, and quietly aromatic is usually the sweet spot.

Syrah

Syrah is a northern Rhône grape with a serious range, capable of making dark, structured, savory reds without needing the sheer weight of Cabernet. Its home is places like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Joseph, but it has traveled widely, especially to Australia, California, South Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean.

In the vineyard, Syrah tends to like warmth, but not excessive heat. In cooler sites it can be peppery, floral, and lifted; in warmer places it becomes darker, richer, and more generous. It has relatively small berries and can produce wines with deep color, good tannin, and a strong savory profile.

In the glass, Syrah often shows black fruit, violet, black pepper, olive, smoke, meat, and spice. The best examples have density without feeling clumsy — dark-fruited and structured, but still aromatic and full of detail. We tend to love Syrah when it keeps that savory edge and doesn’t lose its freshness.