“vins de pays” Haute couture

Do you know the story about the man who succeeded in selling his “vin de Pays” at 45 euros? For 30 years now, the whole Provence area talks about…

When he came in Trevallon in 1973, Eloi Dürrbach, the son of a artists, who were friends of Picasso, is immediately tempted by the blend art. The Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah blending especially touched him and the Provence terroir inspires him.

Free creations, these wines know a wonderful success. Only I.N.A.O. – French National Institute for AOC – does not approve. Indeed, Eloi Dürrbach elaborates his Baux-de-Provence with 60% of Cabernet sauvignon whereas the new legislation on A.O.C. requires only 20% of it... Incredible but true, the most prestigious wine of the region will not obtain the A.O.C. status!

What the Law says does not matter: the Baux master will succeed and become an “Example” for many producers in the Var and Provence region. Jean-Paul Luc of Minna Vineyard, Peter Fischer of Château Revelette or Sylvain Hoesch from Domaine Richeaume… This precursor, who decided to “keep only the good things tradition brings”, has made the “vins de pays” escaping from the ghetto, just like a “guide”.

Among Eloi Dürrbach’s disciples, Dominique Hauvette is certainly the most brilliant one. Together they completely transformed the “vins de pays” appellation, which becomes, through their hands, synonymous of great ageing potential and top-of-the-range wines.

Just a question of freedom for these grapes’ artists.

2006, September 21 - © L'Express

Other information :
• Baux-De-Provence
• Provence
• Château Revelette
• Domaine Richeaume
• Domaine Hauvette
• Domaine De Trévallon
• Minna Vineyard