CHÂTEAU BARBEBELLE

Welcome to a haven of peace in the heart of Provence. The estate is one of the oldest in the Aix-en-Provence region, and boasts a breathtaking geographical heritage. The centuries-old bastide stands in the midst of a much larger surrounding area: 300 hectares of nature where flora and fauna flourish freely.

History of the Château

Château Barbebelle has been in the Herbeau family, the current owners, for 4 generations. Heirs to historic know-how and pioneers in respect for the environment, the "elders" are gradually passing on this wealth of knowledge to the younger generation. Mathilde, a recent graduate of one of the country's most prestigious business schools, is about to take over from her father alongside her husband Valentin. Mathilde's ancestral know-how in the vineyard and winery, and her daughter's art of selling, communicating and strategic development make for an ideal pairing!

The vineyard

The estate's 50 hectares of vines stretch between cypress, umbrella pine and holm oak trees. The traditional grape varieties of the Côtes de Provence appellation are planted here. Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault are used to blend the reds and rosés. For whites, we use Rolle (also known in the Mediterranean as Vermentino), Ugni Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard has been managed with respect for nature and the men and women who work it for several generations. But it was only recently, during the confinement, that the family decided to apply for HVE 3 certification... which they naturally obtained.

Thanks to its southern position and proximity to the Mediterranean, the Château's vines enjoy an ideal combination of factors. The berries benefit from warm, sunny days, but the vines stay cool thanks to the clay-sand-limestone soil at a slight altitude. What's more, the Mistral wind dries out the grapes and purifies the vineyards, preventing them from being attacked by fungi that thrive in humid environments.

Barbelle wines

The Château produces three ranges of wine, each in three colors. Vinified in the same way as past generations, the wines are generous, and oak ageing gives them real strength of character (except for the rosé, which is aged in stainless steel). The traditional shape of the "Côte de Provence" bottle, aptly named after the appellation, and the sleek design of its label are further proof of the father-daughter complementarity. The second range celebrates the latter: the "Madeleine" range. Finally, the Fleuris range, one of the most popular. As the name suggests, all three wines are light and aromatic. The rosé, composed of 50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault and 15% Syrah, is fruity and delicious. We're delighted by its notes of peach, strawberry and harlequin candy... No wonder Decanter voted it "World's Best Rosé 2020"!