A bit like a Bordeaux with added southern warmth and spice.

The nose is inviting with wonderful redcurrant, plum and blackberry aromas with hints of woody spice and pepper. The palate has more concentrated fruit: blackberry, redcurrant and tart blackcurrants with good structure and some smokiness from time spent in oak.

Named after the 'Real Mauresque' river which runs through the Domaine, this forward-thinking winery is one of the select group of Côtes de Provence vineyards awarded Cru Classé status in 1955. This classification mirrors that of the great Bordeaux châteaux and is based upon the quality of the wines and the heritage of the properties.

Winemaker Pierre Duffort produces a collection of elegant and characterful wines from 57 hectares of prime vineyards. The vines have an average age of 40 years (the oldest being planted in 1930), and they are planted on three very diverse terroirs (schist, pink sandstone and galets roulés).

Within the appellation, the micro climate at Rimauresq is unique. Just 35km from the coast, at an altitude of between 140 to 190 metres, the north-west oriented vineyards lie in the foothills of the Maures Massif and benefit from the cooling Mistral winds. Shade from the harsh Mediterranean sun is provided by the Notre Dame des Anges mountain, allowing a longer ripening period and better fruit development in the crucial weeks prior to harvest. Nine noble grape varieties are found at Rimauresq: Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan for the reds, Rolle (Vermentino) and Ugni Blanc for the whites and Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Tibouren for the rosés and Rimauresq all of which undergo parcel selection. Only the best fruit from the sustainably managed vineyards (currently in conversion to organic viticulture) is kept to make the Domaine's wines. This dedicated approach, combined with a modern gravity fed winery, allows Pierre Duffort and his team to focus on producing the very best examples of wines across the Provence styles. As in many of the best Provençale vineyards rosé dominates, but stunning whites and reds are also crafted here.

As in many Provençale vineyards, rosé dominates production at Rimauresq, but stunning reds are also crafted here. All bunches are de-stemmed, except in the case of those which are fermented through carbonic maceration. The winemaking techniques used aim to achieve an optimal extraction of flavours and tannins (total or partial carbonic maceration, cold pre-ferment maceration). The reds are fermented at a controlled temperature in a sealed tank, being racked and pumped every day to submerge the cap, allowing the extraction of the polyphenols and aromas. After fermentation the wines are macerated by daily plunging/rack and return in order to achieve optimal extraction. Part of the blend is then aged in oak barrels (600L demi-muids, French oak, average toast) for 10 to 14 months. A light filtering is done prior to bottling. The blend is 62% Syrah, 23% Carignan and 14% Grenache and 1% Mourvèdre.

A fabulous partner to roast lamb, young game, dishes rich in Provençale herbs and roast Mediterranean vegetables.