Domaine de Trévallon

A Provençal estate

Domaine de Trévallon has been in the hands of the Dürrbach family since the 1960s, after the purchase of Mas Chabert in 1950. Located on the outskirts of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the vineyard lies on the slopes of the Alpilles mountains, in Saint-Etienne-du-Grès.

Between garrigue, holm oaks, olive and almond trees, the rocks have been dynamited, then the soil reworked in depth by mixing rock chips with soil, to give birth to this vineyard anchored in nature.

The vineyard stretches over nearly 17 hectares of chalky limestone soils, the rock shaping the harsh, dry soil of this terroir. Planted in 1973, the vines are divided between 15 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (red), and 2 hectares of Marsanne and Roussane (white).

The family story began with Jacqueline and René Dürrbach when they settled in the area in 1950. Their son, Eloi Dürrbach, joined them with his wife Floriane almost 30 years ago. Their children, Ostiane and Antoine, join them today to carry on the family tradition.

A passion and know-how

Eloi didn't study oenology, so he doesn't display any omniscient knowledge, arrogant certainty or ready-made ideas, but rather is driven by the desire and to make good natural wine and his passion for the estate in which he grew up.

The red wines, blends of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, are the legacy of a pre-phylloxera era, when the combination of these two grape varieties produced excellent wines. The unique style of Trévallon lies in this combination, in its desire to preserve an ancient heritage and know-how.

The wines are therefore downgraded to vin de pays as required by INAO, but it's well worth it if it's to respect the personality of the wines.

René Dürrbach, Eloi's father, is responsible for the estate's new labels, starting with the 1996 vintage. A painter and sculptor, he was a friend of such painters as Albert Gleizes, a pioneer of cubism, Fernand Léger, Robert Delaunay and Pablo Picasso. Since his death in 1999, each of the estate's labels has been derived from one of his specially designed sketches, depending on the character of the wine.

Wines with character

Domaine de Trévallon's millésime 2017 offers a ruby color with purple highlights, a powerful nose with notes of red fruits, pepper and spices. The palate is ample and suave, enhanced by a subtle freshness.

Pair this wine with roast partridge with cranberries, truffle brouillade, rack of lamb or cocoa-based desserts.