Mas Coutelou 'Vin des Amis' 2022

In a remote corner of the Languedoc – between the Mediterranean and the Cévennes foothills – Mas Coutelou is producing some of Southern France’s most in-demand natural wines.

A stalwart of La Dive Bouteille (the Loire Valley’s celebrated annual natural wine fair) at which he pours bottles alongside the likes of Ganevat and Foillard, Jean-François (‘Jeff’) Coutelou is one of the founding fathers of the contemporary natural wine movement – although he’s far too modest to admit it.

His pioneering family, which has never applied chemicals to its land, were among the first French producers to be granted organic status on the initial day of certification in 1987. Jeff has taken things further by halving the estate to increase biodiversity and introducing biodynamics.

Despite being a regular victim of sabotage from neighbours who view his low-intervention approach with disdain (see Jeff’s appearance on the Netflix documentary Rotten) he soldiers on, tending an oasis of beautiful vineyards in the heart of bulk wine country.

As a benchmark for the Languedoc, Mas Coutelou harnesses the vitality that such brilliant farming brings to its wines. Joyful and utterly delicious, their immediacy makes them ideal session wines to enjoy with friends.

With interest in Mas Coutelou at an all-time high, Jeff is struggling to keep up with demand from sommeliers who recognise these as amazing value bottles. With only one shipment per year, this is your opportunity to try the latest offering from the domaine.

'Vin des Amis' is a perennial favourite: very moreish, with black fruit and dried flower notes.