We were looking for another Rose in Provence in the wilting 40C heat of summer. Much of our shortlisting work was done in the thankfully cool Cotes-de-Provence-Sainte-Victoire Vinotheque in the town of Trets. Our clear winner was Mauvan. 30 minutes later, with the stunning long ridge-like Mont Sainte-Victoire as backdrop, we were tasting the full range with Martin Massot, Gaelle Maclou’s long-term boyfriend and co-worker. Gaelle’s Grandfather started the Domaine in the 1950s. It was mixed farming. Mainly cereal, fruit and some vines. Gaelle, a qualified Oenologist, took over the Domaine 22 years ago, stripped out the cereal production and has concentrated on wine ever since. The wines are very very good. A refreshing white made from Rolle (Vermentino), two levels of Rose, Classique and the Sainte-Victoire and three reds. Classique is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is 70% Grenache and 30% Carignan from vines planted in 1953 and 1956. Their Sainte-Victoire Cuvee Prestige is 70% Syrah with 30% Grenache. All the reds age beautifully.
