The vineyards of Domaine Mas Nuy, located in the prized appellation of Faugères, are surrounded by holm oaks, arbutus, olive trees, and aromatic and medicinal plants. Many of the vines are planted at higher altitudes which limits erosion, encourages water retention and extends the ripening period. Sea winds also supply water while quickly drying the grapes. The terroir evolved from the "Monts de Faugères" geological system, dating from the Visean age. The schist soils of brown and gray slate are some of the oldest in France. Freshness, minerality and acidity of the wine can all be attributed to these soils. The terroir also includes shale from the marine deposits of a prehistoric sea. The shale provides both drainage and humidity in the vineyard. It retains up to 40% of its volume in water and stores twice as much heat as limestone. This is why the winemakers say the grapes “ripen at night.”