Mas de Sainte Croix: Authentic Valréas, Thoughtfully Crafted
In 2002, Jacques Coipel left the petrol industry to pursue wine, purchasing vineyards in the Côtes du Rhône Villages cru of Valréas. Set at roughly 1,200 feet on soils of clay, limestone, and gravel, the estate benefits from cooling northern winds that lend freshness and clarity to the wines. Reds show vibrant red fruit and lift, while the whites carry crisp orchard tones and natural energy.
Jacques’ son Julien trained in Switzerland and New Zealand, including time at Te Mata, before returning home in 2010. His lighter, more precise touch in the cellar focuses on purity and transparency. Together, father and son craft wines that clearly express the distinctive terroir of Valréas.
2022 Mas de Sainte Croix "Passion d'Une Terre" Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Valréas $14.99 92JS Vigneron Julien Coipel is an incredible host, and visiting Valréas—a little off the beaten path in the northern Southern Rhône—is always a treat. The vineyards sit on gently sloping hillsides that catch the softer morning sun, and the resulting wines capture that care and attention.
The 2022 Passion d'Une Terre opens with bright red raspberry fruit, layered with savory notes of tobacco and a subtle hint of sandalwood. The palate is generous yet polished, with a long, refined finish. Only neutral vessels are used, keeping the expression pure and transparent. These wines are authentic daily drinkers, as genuine and thoughtful as Julien and his family themselves.
2024 Mas de Sainte Croix "Délicatesse" Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc $12.99 92JS
One of the Rhône’s most overlooked categories is white wine. Mas de Sainte Croix’s Délicatesse, predominantly Roussanne with a splash of Marsanne, is a shining example. Notes of peach, persimmon, and a hint of beeswax lead to a medium-plus-bodied wine with a gently oily, satisfying texture. Perfect for roast chicken, grilled halibut, or pan-seared sole, this wine is a standout in any weeknight rotation.