Margui Rose 2009

The wine is a beautiful light pink color, infused with aromas of fresh wild strawberry, cherry and peach. Some minerality with a hint of spice which is a perfect balance to the silky texture. This delicious blend of cinsault and grenache is perfect with food, or simply a glass by itself.

Wine bas been produced at Chateau Margui since Roman times. These days the owners, Marie-Christine and Philippe Guillanton, both feel that vineyards (and olive groves) are essential to bringing this beautiful estate back to life.

AOC Coteaux varois. Cinsault, Grenache ; low temperature fermentation, after 10°C clearing.

Showing a pale and cristal robe, it will be at its best for the next 18 to 24 months along with grilled meats, as a very original aperitive, or perfect alongside an asian cuisine. The nose offers white fruit and lime scents, which merge into a rich  wood berries and garrigue (thyme, cists) finish.

Rolling hills, vines, dry-stone walls, centuries-old tree avenue, monumental stairs, springs and pools : Château Margüi has been commanding over thousands of agricultural acres since roman times, in this south-west corner of the Bessillon ranges, where the Argens river digs deep into the Vallon Sourn's canyon.

Wine has been produced here from time immemorial, but the property suffered man's neglect since 1970. Nearly by chance did we come across this magnificent terroir of clay and limestone, offering wide varieties of granulometry, situations and exposures, and its uncompromising climate. Just like the Château (15th to 18th centuries), it was longing to be heard anew.

We were starting from scratch, but most of our plots were AOC Côteaux Varois classified. We thus were able to make strict vine species selection in accordance with each plot (Syrah, Cabernet, Rolle, Cinsault, Grenache). Soil preparation, plantations and culture for the 30 acre-vineyard and 10 acre olive-grove (Aglandaou and Frantoio with a view to a forthcoming olive oil AOC) were processed under strict observance of Bio Agriculture criteria. Emmanuel Gaujal and Laurence Berlemont, from Cabinet d'Agronomie Provençale, helped us all along the way.

Château Margüi is reaching its full production of around 60 000 bottles with the 2008 harvest. Olive oils will be available in 2009, still in very limited quantities. The construction of wine-making facilities, which started early 2003, is pursued along with the vineyard's coming to age, according to a simple line : modern wine-making tools under the irreplaceable shelter of our very old stones.

 The owners : Marie-Christine and Philippe Guillanton, both in their forties, feel that wine and olive-growing are essential to bringing this beautiful estate back to life. The Château is also being renovated with strict respect of architectural authenticity, while provençal gardens are bieng recreated in the 18th century spirit.

“Rich yet balanced with lingering floral, mineral and berry flavors.” N.Y.Times 6/9/2010

"Soleil des Vins de pays du Var" 2010 ; Brignoles fair, 2004, 2009 and 2010, gold medal ; Brignoles fair 2008, Silver medal ; Vinalies 2008, "Prix d'Excellence".