This year's Decanter World Wine Awards Regional Trophy for White Regional France over £15 went to Domaine d'Estoublon, IGP Alpilles 2011 (14%)
Tasted against:
- Château Margüi, Les Pierres Sauvages, Coteaux Varois-en-Provence 2012
- Etxaldean, Lehia, Irouléguy 2013
Profile:
The 200-hectare estate of Domaine d’Estoublon is at the crossroads of three major wine regions: the Pays d’Oc, Côtes de Provence and the Côtes du Rhône, but dances to its own tune, according to winemaker Rémy Reboul: ‘I wanted wines that resemble the terroir of Estoublon – even if it meant moving away from the specifications and standards of the Baux de Provence appellation.’
Bought by the Schneider family in 1998 (Rémy is married to daughter Valérie Schneider), investments have seen the vineyards, winery, château and farm buildings renovated, the latter being turned into hotel accommodation around its restaurant, Bistrot Mogador.
The 19ha of vines comprise Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, with Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc forming the blend of this Trophy-winning white. Reboul has experimented with biodynamic and organic production, as well as with different types of storage and fermentation vessels. Since 2006, 675-litre concrete amphorae have been added to his winemaking arsenal. Fermentations are at low temperature to ensure ‘honesty, precision and minerality of the fruit’ – characters found in abundance in this winning wine.
Written by Decanter
