Domaine du Deffends

The History of the Deffends Estate

The Domaine du Deffends was preceded by a Gallo-Roman farm during antiquity, of which some remains have been found in the form of pottery and amphorae, as well as a single sesterce! From the threshing floor that can be guessed, the farm must have been more reserved for cereals and olive trees than for viticulture.

The Deffends estate has had several owners and, when Jacques de Lanversin acquired it in 1963, it had been abandoned for a long time. The new occupant decided to rehabilitate the estate and to devote part of it to the cultivation of grapes, without however imagining becoming a winegrower. Growing vines seemed obvious on this poor clay-limestone soil.

After planting his Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, Jacques de Lanversin realized that he had to vinify his own grapes and not sell them in order to achieve a financial balance. He therefore built a cellar which signed the birth of the wine exploitation of the domain of Deffends.

The exploitation has since remained in the family and the entire vineyard is now conducted in organic farming, under the Ecocert label.

The Domaine du Deffends vineyard

The soil of the Domaine du Deffends is chalky and clayey, poor and filtering. It benefits from a favorable east-southeast exposure that protects it from frost and brings just the right amount of sunshine. It extends over 14 hectares.

The grape varieties are Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Rolle and Viognier adapted to the draining clay-limestone soil and the Mediterranean climate.

Production is deliberately limited, in order to privilege quality. If necessary, an early removal allows to curb the growth. The average annual production must remain around 35 hectoliters.

No chemical phytosanitary products are used. They have been advantageously replaced by natural products, notably Bordeaux mixture and sulfur. The plots alternate between controlled grassing and plowing.

The wines of Domaine du Deffends

The Song of Sesterce - white

Le Chant du Sesterce is a fruity and intense white wine. It belongs to the IGP Var Sainte Baume appellation. It is made from a blend of Viognier for its aromatic power and Rolle (or Vermentino) for its finesse. The marriage is quite original and gives birth to a wine with a beautiful pale yellow color. The nose is fruity, full of white fruits, like peach. Apricot is also present and can be found in the mouth.

Les Champs du Bécassier - red

Les Champs du Bécassier is a red wine that pays tribute to the bird that is very present in the region. It is the fruit of a blend of Syrah and Grenache. The nose is fine, marked by raspberry and pomegranate, with a touch of pepper. The attack in mouth is frank and lively. It is a wine belonging to the AOP Coteaux Varois in Provence.