Chateau La Gordonne

The History of Chateau la Gordonne

Château la Gordonne sits in a schist cirque that already seduced the Romans in the 1st century BC. Benefiting from a microclimate favorable to viticulture, they planted the first vines there.

In the 14th century, the Carthusian family of La Verne settled in Pierrefeu du Var and took over the vineyard. The Château la Gordonne was then called La Mayon d'Aurran. The Duke of Sully, superintendent of finances of Henry IV was a regular visitor and praised its wines.

In the middle of the 17th century, the new owner of Château la Gordonne renamed the estate with his name: Conseiller de Gourdon. The exploitation was then divided between the vineyards and the olive trees which produced a renowned oil. In 1652, Château la Gordonne took its final name.

In 1663, it was bought by the Councillor of Dedons, Lord of Pierrefeu. Château la Gordonne remained in the Dedons family until the eve of the French Revolution in 1789, when it was bought by the Bishopric of Toulon.

The Château la Gordonne was completely restored in 1850. It continues its wine production, today under the management of Vranken Estates Vineyards.

The Var Bell

Château la Gordonne has a bronze bell that has been classified as a historical monument since January 11, 1982. Dated 1654, it is one of the 174 bells of the Var that predate the French Revolution and escaped destruction.

This bell is one of the curiosities of the region. It is decorated with a row of rinceaux (arabesques with plant motifs) and a cross bearing the inscription "Iesus maria Joseph".

The vineyard of Château la Gordonne

The vineyard of Chateau la Gordonne is unique: it consists of 330 hectares, all in one piece. The vines are planted in an exceptional site, in the heart of a schist cirque, facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Its particular location creates a microclimate with dry, very hot summers and mild winters. The vines are flooded with sunshine. They are beaten by the mistral wind which dries them out and protects them from humidity-related diseases.

The plain of the Château la Gordonne estate is made up of clay and limestone, while the slopes are composed of schist. The soil is stony, permeable and shallow. Being well drained, it is poor in humus.

The grape varieties are typical of Provence, such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate is conducted in organic farming and is certified HVE (High Environmental Value).

The wines of Château la Gordonne

- Chateau la Gordonne offers 4 rosé wines :

- La Chapelle Gordonne ;

- Vérité du Terroir;

- Summertime by La Gordonne;

- Cirque des Grives.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)