Chateau Vignelaure

The history of the estate

Where Château Vignelaure is established, in the AOC Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence region, between the communes of Rians (Var) and Jouques (Bouches-du-Rhône), vines have been grown for over 2,000 years, having been imported by the Romans. It wasn't until the late 1960s that the estate took on its current face and name, after coming under the control of Georges Brunet (former owner of Château la Lagune). The name Vignelaure refers to the vine of Laura, the muse of the poet Petrarch.

The château was one of the forerunners of Cabernet Sauvignon cultivation in Provence, with the first plantings in 1966 (notably using grafts from Georges Brunet's former estate in Haut-Médoc). The first vintage was produced in 1970, vinified exclusively in red, and was an immediate success, winning over the entire region. The first rosés appeared in 1992, and the first whites in 2013.

The first winery was built in 1972, featuring stainless steel vats, underground ageing cellars with oak tuns, concrete racks for aging wines and a contemporary art gallery that marks the house's second passion.

The legendary Eloi Durrbach spent two years vinifying at the estate before founding his own, Trévallon in Les Baux-de-Provence. There, he imported the Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend he planted in 1973 and which would make him world-famous.

Between 1986 and 2007, three owners succeeded one another, before the estate was bought by Mette en Bengt Sundstrøm, a Scandinavian couple who own an auction company.

Today, 50% of the wines are distributed in France to restaurants, including some 30 Michelin-starred ones, as well as to exceptional wine merchants, and 50% are exported to over 15 countries.

Terroir

In its current form, the Château Vignelaure vineyard covers more than 200 hectares, 55 of which are planted with vines. Classified as AOC Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, the vineyard is located in a cool climate with large temperature differences between day and night (nearly 20 degrees difference during ripening phases).

Each plot (Grand Pièce, Colline and Chantemerle) features a number of red grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Cinsault and Carignan. Merlot and part of the Cabernet Sauvignon are vinified as IGP Méditerranée. White wines include Rolle, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Roussanne and Viognier (the last two are also classified as IGP Méditerranée).

After being taken over in 2007 by the Scandinavian couple Sundstrøm, the estate began its conversion to Organic Agriculture, which will be completed and certified in 2018.

The wines

Le Château Vignelaure rouge is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from old vines. Its color is a deep, dark red, and the nose is as complex as it is balanced (blending spices, red and ripe fruits). The palate is dense and rich, with elegant fruity notes leading to a long finish.

Le Château Vignelaure blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier. It boasts a brilliant golden yellow color. On the nose, there's an expressive bouquet of floral and fresh fruit notes. The wine is greedy and fruity, with a lovely freshness on the palate and a liveliness that encourages tasting.

Chateau Vignelaure rosé is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Rolle and Syrah. It has a pale pink color and a complex, fruity nose, blending aromas of peach, berries and spices. On the palate, the wine offers a fine balance of roundness, length and freshness.