ABOUT THE PRODUCER: Producer: Château de Roquefort
This impressively beautiful, biodynamic vineyard is situated in an amphitheater, thus having a very special microclimate. Château de Roquefort is at an altitude of 1000 feet, allowing later harvesting, which results in more freshness and greater phenolic maturity, and therefore more complexity than is usual in Provençal wines. The 29 hectare of vineyards are located on the edge of the Bandol appellation – just over the ridge, so Mourvèdre does not ripen there as well as in Bandol (it is a difficult grape to ripen), so it is not the focus. One third of the vines are over 40 year old, with the rest ranging between 15 and 40. Raimond De Villeneuve came back to his old family property in 1995; his first vintage under the Château name was in 1998 – previously the wines were sold in bulk. An open-minded winemaker and taster, Raimond strived for quality and always experimented; after planting Cabernet Franc, he tried Portuguese varieties. The estate is now run by the talented Margaux Gentile, who worked with Raimond for many years.
Farming/vinification practices: Certified Organic, biodynamic practices. The different varieties are always co-fermented.
“… the wines perfectly combine ample and intense fruit with a rich and silky body. The wines of Roquefort possess a hedonistic character that will make you immediately rejoice.”
-Michel Bettane:
