Domaine des Sarrins
The vineyards of Château des Sarrins cover 22 hectares around the village of Saint-Antonin du Var. Here in the northern Var about 50 km inland, the vineyards are not planted on the valley floors but on the slopes at 230-250 metres above sea level and the soil is mainly chalk and clay. It is this elevation that allows for better acid and fruit balance in the grapes.
This property is owned and managed by Bruno Paillard, of the renowned Champagne house by the same name. When he first acquired the vineyards in early 1995, they had been planted with Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Bruno recognized the value of these old, high quality vines and they were kept. Additional vineyards were planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Ugni Blanc, destined for Vin de Pays. The Ugni Blanc and the Carignan (apart from a 50 years old vine) have now been replaced by new plantings of Syrahs, Mourvèdres and Rolle.
In September 1996, they implemented a gravity system in order to achieve gentle handling of the grapes and juice. The premium wine carries the Appellation Contrôlée “Côte de Provence” and is sold under the name “Château des Sarrins”. The white wine – also a premium wine- does not carry the appellation “Côte de Provence” because it is not a blend but of a one grape variety only: Rolle. It is a premium wine, vinified and aged in barrels and is sold under the name of “Les Sarrins”, carrying the appellation “Vin de Pays du Var”.
From the very first vintage, the focus has been heavily on quality and achieving balance. Bruno Paillard brings the same attention to detail as with his premium Champagne. In 2012, the property was granted organic status. The result has been wines that are probably some of the most elegant in Provence!
