In 1981, Jean-Louis Descours fell in love with Château La Verrerie while looking for a post-retirement project. He promptly purchased the 20-hectare estate and, with the help of his son Gérard, brought it back to life. They constructed a new winery and acquired more vineyards with the sole ambition of making great wine. Their first vintage was released in 1985. Today, Christopher Descours, Jean-Louis’ grandson and owner of Charles Heidsieck Champagne, runs the estate with talented winemaker Valentine Tardieu-Vitali, who recently ranked in Le Figaro’s Top 50 French winemakers.
Château La Verrerie comprises 48 hectares of vineyard Luberon, planted predominantly to Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre, with seven hectares dedicated to the white varieties: Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. The domaine’s vineyards are farmed organically, and the wines have been certified organic since the 2013 vintage.
Their Luberon Rosé is made using the saignée method and comprises a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Aged on its lees for three to six months to add texture to the palate, it is Provençal in style with a delicate, pale colour, crisp acidity and a scented finish.
Their ‘Hautes Collines’ Blanc comprises a blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Each variety is fermented separately, partially in casks, before being aged on lees for four months. The ‘Hautes Collines’ Rouge blends Syrah and Grenache to create a wine bursting with blood orange and sweet liquorice notes. This is a typical Luberon red, with beautiful balance and silky texture. The ‘Hautes Collines’ Viognier is defined by layers of fresh stone fruits, a delicate floral bouquet, a well-structured palate and a saline finish.
The domaine has 56 hectares of vineyard and about 70% of the production is red, 20% rosé and 10% white. Of the reds, half of the plantings are Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Cinsault and Carignan. Soils are predominantly clay and limestone. The winery has completed its organic conversion and has been certified organic since the 2013 vintage.
Grapes for the Luberon Rosé were machine-harvested, partially at night, and underwent manual triage upon arrival at the winery. Vats were filled from above after destemming and crushing, and the saignée method was used to produce the pale pink colour. The wine was fermented at 16°C for 20-25 days.
This rosé is pale pink in colour with purple highlights. On the nose, there are distinct aromas of rose petal, almond and citrus fruit. On the palate there are flavours of redcurrant and pink grapefruit, alongside a very nice fresh and acidic texture, which ends with a very round and fruity side. Overall, this is a full, fleshy, structured wine.
