Domaine de Trévallon 2009

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Eloi and Floriane Dürrbach planted the vineyard in 1973, and have since made Trévallon one of the jewels in the crown of French vineyards. Located on the northern slopes of the Alpilles mountains, the 17 hectares of vines are surrounded by wild, unspoilt countryside, and have been farmed organically from the outset. The cool microclimate, gentle pruning and predominantly limestone soils are responsible for the wines' distinctive style. The Dürrbachs don't claim the Baux-de-Provence appellation, as their grape varieties differ from the standard specifications: cabernet-sauvignon and syrah for the reds, roussanne and marsanne for the whites, complemented by a little chardonnay. The reds, which have become just as legendary as the whites, have real ageing potential, and the passage of time has given them an added finesse of expression. Superb!

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the domain :

Eloi Dürrbach, who studied architecture at the Beaux-Arts in Paris, planted his first vines in the Alpilles in 1973, making wine... at the age of 23. It all started with the mas de Trévallon, bought by his father in 1955, with 60 hectares of garrigue. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah flourish in the reds, complemented by Marsanne and Roussanne in the whites (with a little Chardonnay). All with more "northern" than "southern" expression - meaning, in reference to the Rhône Valley: with elegance and freshness. No pesticides or insecticides, just sheep manure as fertilizer, and ploughed soils.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Éloi Dürrbach built the Domaine de Trévallon in Saint-Étienne-du-Grès in 1973, and has become an emblematic figure in Provence. On his clay-limestone terroir, exposed on the northern slopes of the Alpilles, he believes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to produce great red wines. His vineyards are farmed organically. An attentive and meticulous winemaker, he produces IGP Alpilles wines with a fine definition of terroir and perfect grape ripeness, combined with the precision of whole bunch vinification and ageing (up to two years in foudre). These methods result in wines that are dense, taut and refined. Through their aromatic complexity (notes of spice, garrigue and black truffle), Trévallon's reds express great Mediterranean typicity, while retaining a northern freshness. The 2 hectares of white grape varieties (marsanne, roussanne, chardonnay and grenache) give birth to restrained, vinous whites set with fine bitters and soft floral fragrances. Ostiane and Antoine, Éloi Dürrbach's children, have been the successors to this exemplary domaine for several years now.