Château de Saint-Martin

The Gallo-Roman history of Saint-Martin Castle

The first traces of Château de Saint-Martin date back to prehistoric times. At that time called a "villa", its foundations were part of a large Gallo-Roman town, inhabited from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD.

The Romans were major wine producers, as evidenced by the facilities found in archaeological excavations: two oil presses, a well and a forge, set in the middle of a pleasure garden with pond and columns. Wine production continued after the departure of the Romans. Between the 10th and 18th centuries, Château de Saint-Martin became a priory. It was first occupied by the monks of Saint-Victor, then by the nuns of La Celle Roubaud, and finally by the monks of Lérins.

In 1740, the ancient priory was purchased by the Marquis de Villeneuve Bargemon. It was he who built the Château de Saint-Martin as we know it today. The magnificent building was his daughter's wedding dowry.
Today, you can book guest rooms at Château de Saint-Martin and take advantage of the opportunity to visit its vineyards, as well as taste its wonderful wines.

The Gallo-Roman history of Château de Saint-Martin

The terroir and vineyards of Château de Saint-Martin The Château de Saint-Martin vineyards rise to an altitude of 130 meters. Château de Saint-Martin's Côtes de Provence PDO covers 18,000 hectares. The terroir is divided into 3 zones: the coastal zone, where the soil is composed of granite schist ; the Permian depression to the north of the Massif des Maures, with clay and sandy soils; the Triassic plateau, dominated by limestone.

Château de Saint-Martin wine expresses the character and authenticity of these soils, which are cultivated using sustainable methods. To maintain a balanced age pyramid, one hectare is replanted each year. This enables us to produce fruity, lively wines from the young vines, while the older vines produce more complex, delicate wines.

The Gallo-Roman history of Château de Saint-Martin

The delicious wines of Château de Saint-Martin Château de Saint-Martin's production is mainly rosé, supplemented by a few whites and reds. Each year, between 150,000 and 200,000 bottles - the vast majority of them rosé - are brought to market.

The grape varieties for white wines are Ugni Blanc, Clairette and Rolle. Rosé and red wines are blends of Tibouren, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan. Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon are reserved for the reds. Château de Saint-Martin offers numerous crus classés.

The rosé wine of Château de Saint-Martin

Château de Saint-Martin's main production, rosé wine is pale pink in color, with coppery highlights. The nose is elegant and delicate. Depending on your selection, you'll find aromas of jasmine, violets and rose petals. Some rosés lean more towards fruity flavors of ripe vine peach, lychee and mango.

Château de Saint-Martin rosé is a long-lasting, velvety wine. It goes wonderfully well with fish dishes, especially sea bream à la provençale. It also goes well with duck breast with cherry compote, and quail stuffed with grapes.