Mas de Restanques
Their Story
The history of Mas des Restanques began in 1995, with the union of two family terroirs. Joining forces as two knowledgeable winemaking families, both with long-term heritages in the Rhone region, Jean-Luc and Josiane Faraud launched their own winery in 2007.
In the heart of Southern France, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the estate is divided on nine hectares between two noble appellations: Vacqueyras and Gigondas. In 2012, Mas de Restanques was certified organic by ECOCERT.
Founded: 1995
Owner: Jean-Luc and Josiane Faraud
Winemaker: Jean-Luc and Josiane Faraud
Vineyard: Vacqueyras and Gigondas
How We Met
A respected importer in California turned me onto Mas de Restanques during a casual conversation about organic certification. I had decided this type of credential – while not yet specifically sought after by our market – was something I would intentionally seek when possible; the sunny-windy Rhone Valley was probably a good place to start, and he (Steve in California) was right. Mas de Restanques was the “Mas Delicioso” for me.
Quick Facts on Southern Rhone
HISTORY: The Rhone Valley has seen cultivation of its land for vineyards for more than 2,000 years. The ancient Greeks were the first people to plant vineyards in the region. This took place in 400 BC in the area of Marseilles. Great recognition of the region began with the arrival of the Popes in Avignon in the 14th century.
TODAY: A large, viticultural region that is continually gaining in popularity, the Rhone sits next to Bordeaux as France’s second biggest appellation and produces mostly red wines comprised of Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre as well as white wines comprised of Viognier, Marsanne & Roussanne among other varieties.
TERROIR: The climate is Mediterranean and the soil is very diverse: clay-limestone, terraces with rounded pebbles and sandy soils. The main grape is Grenache, which is blended with other varieties to produce well-balanced wines.