Chateau Gassier Le Pas du Moine Rose 2018

Nestled in the foothills of the Montagne de Sainte-Victoire, at some of the highest elevations found in Provence, are the vineyards of Château Gassier. In 1982, the Gassier family, originally from Barcelonnette, Haute-Provence, and descendants of the Provençal nobility since 1421, bought the property and the 40 hectares of vines in the village of Puyloubier. The Gassier family are instrumental in the history of Provence. Since the 17th century, the family distinguished themselves in the service of royalty as well as in legal and academic circles. But it is the younger branch of the family, based in Saint Estève de Var, whom provide the wine connection. From the turn of the 20th century, patriarch Raymond Gassier owned 200 hectares around the region. Raymond was briefly married to Colette Mars, a singer and actress of the time, who, in 1938, encouraged him to claim his title of nobility so that he became known as Baron Raymond Marius Gassier of Saint Estève. This proved a heritage of high lineage, associated with the kingdoms of France and Spain. Anthony Gassier, who adored horses and rode for various prestigious French stables, eventually abandoned his equestrian career to devote himself to the family vineyard. His search for great terroir in Provence led him to Sainte-Victoire, where he fell under the spell of the Mountain and founded Château Gassier. His son Georges, representing the 5th generation in the Gassier family’s wine lineage, took over the Château property in 1997. In 2004, the Gassier and Jeanjean families connected, creating an alliance of winemaking know-how and commercial expertise that developed Château Gassier into the estate we know today. Olivier Souvelain joined Château Gassier in 2010 as Estate Director and was entrusted with the task of restructuring the vineyards and buildings. In line with his commitment to preserving the domaine and its environment, the vineyards underwent organic conversion in 2016.