2020 Domaine de Trévallon Rouge

Region: Alpilles, Provence, France

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Culinary Suggestions: Duck, Lamb, Truffle Dishes

Vineyard Practice: Sustainable

About

Just a short distance from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, on the north side of the Alpilles, is the Domaine de Trévallon, situated in the village of Saint-Etienne-du-Grès.

Here, everywhere, limestone emerges from the ground. It is ubiquitous and shapes this harsh, dry land.

Around the old farmhouse, the vineyards spread out over 13 hectares amid this vibrant and protected countryside.

Eloi Dürrbach planted his first vineyard in the Alpilles in 1973. 15 hectares of red are produced, made from equal amounts of cabernet sauvignon and syrah, and 2 hectares made mainly from marsanne et roussane.

It was in 1950 that Jacqueline and René Dürrbach fell in love with the charm of Alpilles and bought the Mas Chabert, and then in 1950 he bought the adjacent property, Trévallon.

While strolling through the scrubland his father would already confide in Eloi that the land would produce good wine.

Floriane and Eloi Dürrbach have been leading the Trévallon adventure together for over 30 years ! Eloi in the vines and the cellar, Floriane by his side at the Domaine.

Cabernet sauvignon used to exist in Provence before phylloxera. Blended with syrah it would produce excellent wines. The two grape varieties associated with the limestone terroir of the domain give Trevallon its unique style.

Of course, Eloi didn’t study oenology so he wasn't a know-it-all with arrogant self confidence or preconceived ideas. He simply wanted to make a natural wine, that’s all.