Chateau de Roquefort No. 1 Grele Rouge 2012

Raimond de Villeneuve's impressively beautiful, biodynamic vineyard is literally situated in an amphitheater, thus having a very special microclimate. Chateau de Roquefort is at an altitude of 1000 feet, allowing later harvesting, which results in more freshness and greater phenolic maturity, and therefore more complexity than is usual in Provençal wines. The 25 hectare of vineyards are located on the edge of the Bandol appellation, just over the ridge so Mourvedre does not ripen here as well as at Bandol (it is a difficult grape to ripen) so it is not the focus. One third of the vines are over 40 years old, with the rest ranging between 15 and 40. De Villeneuve is well-educated, well-traveled and with previous experience in the trade working for Mommessin in Burgundy. This experience shows in the quality of the wines and the refined beauty of the package. He came back to his old family property in 1995 and began making and bottling wines under the Chateau name; previously the wines were sold in bulk. Raimond is a very open-minded winemaker and taster, always striving for quality and willing to honestly assess his wines. As well, he is always experimenting; he has even planted some Cabernet Franc.

His talent has been recognized by Michel Bettane, calling him one of the finest winemakers in Provence: "incontestably, one of the great hopes of the Cotes de Provence...the wines perfectly combine ample and intense fruit with a rich and silky body. The wines of Roquefort possess a hedonistic character that will make you immediately rejoice."