Domaine Massamier La Mignarde

Situated between Narbonne and the ancient, walled city of Carcassonne, Massamier La Mignarde has been in the Vènes family for more than 150 years. Frantz Vènes currently farms 170 acres in and around Minervois La Livinière, which many consider to be the best vineyard area in the region.

Massamier is a remarkable property, and is really more of a compound than a single Château. First settled by a Roman legionnaire name Maximus, the property was initially called "Maximia", which became, in French, "Massamier". The current Château was built over the ancient Roman villa, and there are records of continuous habitation since those times. Though the old building still houses the cellar, all of the equipment and cooperage inside has been replaced in the last 10 years, and is thoroughly modern. With vines averaging an impressive 35 years in age, including some 60+ year-old Carignan, and 25+ year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines (some of the oldest Cabernet in the Languedoc), Frantz has all the tools to make fantastic wines across numerous price points.

While the entry-level "Cuvée des Oliviers" red and rosé have been the most popular Massamier wines at HPS, Frantz's higher-end offerings have garnered plenty of attention as well. His "Expression" line - produced from the oldest Cinsault and Carignan vines at the domaine - offers a truly unique and wholly original rendering of these classic Mediterranean varietals. The icon wines, "Domus Maximus" and "Tenement de Garouilhas", are at the pinnacle of the Minervois La Livinière appellation, and with a long list of glowing press, have naturally been harder to come by, particularly since the 2000 Domus Maximus stole the show at the 2005 IWC as "Best Red, Southern France", "Best Red, France", and, in the Syrah/Grenache/Mourvèdre category, "Best Wine in the World".

In addition to his Domaine wines, Frantz is involved with a number of successful négociant projects, including the acclaimed Mourrel Azurat Fitou, which has been recognized for its outstanding character and value in each of its first 2 vintages.