Francois Lurton “Les Hauts de Janeil” Rouge 2023

The Land

Grown in the rugged contours of the Agly Valley in the Côtes Catalanes, “Les Hauts de Janeil” Rouge draws its character from the wild, windswept hills of southern France, not far from the Spanish border. The schist and limestone soils here, parched by the Tramontane wind and bathed in Mediterranean sun, coax out concentration and freshness in equal measure. The altitude of the vineyards—often reaching 300 meters—delivers cooler nights that preserve acidity, giving the wine its tension and lift. It’s a land where vines struggle, and in that struggle, complexity is born.

The Wine

“Les Hauts de Janeil” Rouge is a wine of southern French character and elegant restraint. Predominantly Syrah with 20% Grenache, it’s a vivid expression of Mediterranean fruit and schist-driven minerality. Ripe blackberries, cracked pepper, and sun-dried herbs mark the nose, while the palate is generous yet balanced—layering dark plum and black cherry with a savory edge. Soft tannins and a fresh, mineral-driven finish reflect the altitude and soil diversity of the estate. Gentle vinification—hand-harvesting, cold maceration, and minimal intervention—preserves purity and precision.

The People

François Lurton, heir to one of Bordeaux’s most storied winemaking families, brings a spirit of exploration and integrity to Mas Janeil. Since acquiring the estate, his vision has been to let the land speak for itself—working sustainably, often without chemical inputs, and crafting wines that reveal their origins without artifice. The cellar, built in 2011, is designed to accommodate a wide range of winemaking techniques, but the goal remains simple: to enhance, not manipulate. Lurton’s team works with restraint—eschewing excess extraction or oak, and even vinifying certain lots without sulfur—to preserve the full aromatic potential of the fruit. At Mas Janeil, winemaking is a quiet partnership between nature, time, and the hands that guide it.