The alliance of tradition and wine renewal in the heart of Var

Anchored in a soil steeped in Roman history, the estate has seen archaeological remains emerge over the years, recalling its role as a stopover for travelers on the road to Antea. In tribute to this past, one of the estate's wines also bears the name of Antea, symbolizing this precious link between history and terroir. “It would be a shame not to promote this aspect, which is fundamental to the estate's identity,” confides Alix Faivre, sales manager.

Since its acquisition in 2011 by wine world enthusiasts, the estate has benefited from numerous investments. Their ambition: to reveal the quality of the terroir and make Château Clarettes known to an international clientele. By renovating the bastide and modernizing the cellar, the owners wish to promote their vintages beyond the borders of Var.

ECOLOGICAL COMMITMENT The Château stands out for its 17 hectares of vines spread over three terroirs with varied soils. The silty-clay plain accommodates grape varieties such as chardonnay and sauvignon, less typical of the region but well adapted to the humidity of the Réal, offering fresh wines. The stonier hillsides produce fruity and light wines, while the clay-limestone plateau, which retains heat, brings deep and round aromas to the vintages.

The vineyard, planted mainly with mourvèdre, a traditional grape variety of Bandol, stands out in this part of Provence. “Our Scandinavian owners like wines with character, and mourvèdre, which is rare here, expresses itself beautifully thanks to the salinity of the soil, a heritage of an ancient sea,” adds Alix.

The economic impact of the Château is undeniable. Thanks to a modern infrastructure inaugurated in 2016, the estate employs a local team and attracts French and foreign visitors, contributing to the regional economy. Internationally, the wines are exported to the United States, Finland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Australia, strengthening the visibility of Provence while prioritizing values of proximity and respect for the terroir.

TRADITION OF QUALITY Thus, the farm practices sustainable agriculture. Sheep naturally weed the vines twice a year, while a draft horse helps maintain the young plots, thereby limiting the use of machines. The Haute Valeur Environnementale certification, obtained in 2023, confirms this commitment to environmentally friendly cultivation.

Combining ancestral techniques and innovations, the vinification includes aging in amphorae and ceramic eggs, preserving the purity of the aromas. The cellar, designed for gravity reception, limits pumping and preserves the authenticity of the grape varieties. ...our terroir while evolving with our times,” Alix further specifies.

To promote its wines, the estate is organizing a Christmas market on December 14 where artisans, activities, and local specialties await. The reception hall, set up in the old vinification cellar, thus becomes the heart of the festivities, attracting an ever-growing audience. By combining respect for the terroir and economic ambition, the Château stands out as a player in the Var wine renewal, linking Provençal tradition to a modern, sustainable, and globally open vision.