Domaine de Mauvan (Puyloubier)

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.