Domaine de la Citadelle Winery Guide

Among the absolute top flight of wine producers in the gorgeous Luberon appellation, Domaine de la Citadelle continues to break new ground in this less prominent but up-and-coming part of the Rhône wine region. Its secret weapon is undoubtedly an impressive portfolio of choice vineyards, with 39 hectares of vines (averaging 15-75 years old) spread across no fewer than 65 separate parcels. This complex mosaic of vineyards hides a range of highly varied soils and terroirs, expertly harnessed by winemaker Alexis. Over the past 15 years, he has achieved nothing short of remarkable in a region that was once regarded as a humdrum part of the Southern Rhône.

Domaine de la Citadelle is one of Southern Rhône’s newest stars, founded as recently as 1990. It started life as a nondescript albeit beautiful farm purchased by the entrepreneur Yves Rousset-Rouard after being captivated by the region’s outstanding scenery, landscapes, and untapped potential. Originally a mere 8-hectare farm, today, the 39 hectares surround the pretty village of Menerbes on the majestic Luberon mountains’ north-facing side. Motivated by a constant search for higher quality, viticulture is moving towards an organic approach after 20 years of managing the vines without chemical inputs. Rousset-Rouard realized, however, that technology would also need to play its part and, to that end, invest in a state-of-the-art winery built into the sides of the hill. It is one of the region’s most innovative and striking cellars.

Careful vineyard management, modern vinification techniques, and tight quality controls continue to produce excellent results. Always emphasizing elegance over power, these are complex and refined wines, in contrast to some of the more heavy-handed examples from the appellation. All the wines impress, but the true stars are the red Les Artemis and the top cuvee Le Gouverneur, an impressively dense and yet elegant blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre with a little very old Carignan adding a dark spicy complexity to his wonderful wine. Indeed, if you drink only one wine from the Cotes du Luberon, this is surely it. Apart from great wines, this is a wonderful place for its charm, beauty, and hospitality.

Wines produced

  • Domaine de la Citadelle Court Metrage IGP 2014 (white)

    60% Chardonnay, 20% Vermentino and 20% Clairette. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks – no oak was used in any stage of the process. A fresh, fruity wine for early drinking.
  • Domaine de la Citadelle Les Artemes 2014 (white)

    40% Roussanne, 30% Grenache, 20% Marsanne, 10% Ugni Blanc. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks – no oak was used in any stage of the process. A fresh, fruity wine for early drinking.
  • Domaine de la Citadelle Le Viognier 2014

    100% Viognier. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks – no oak was used in any stage of the process.
  • Domaine de la Citadelle Les Artemes 2012.

    50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Carignan. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak before bottling. Will cellar for up to 8 years after release.
  • Domaine de la Citadelle Le Gouverneur 2010

    70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, the wine is then aged in 20% new French oak for 12 months. Approachable on release, the wine will benefit from bottle age.
  • Domaine de la Citadelle Les Artemes 2014 (rosé)

    60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, the rose is a blend of free-run juice and press wine. No oak is used to maintain the wine's freshness. Should be enjoyed soon after release.

Facts & Figures

Appellation

AOC Cotes de Luberon

Founded

1990

Area under Vine

39 Hectares

Age of vines

30 years+

Oak barrel origin

French

Winemaker

Alexis Rousset-Rouard

Owner

Yves & Alexis Rousset-Rouard

Production

Approximately 138,000 bottles

Grape varietals

Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Grenache Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marsanne and others

Grape Varieties Used by the Winery

  • Grenache Blanc

    Grenache blanc is a white wine grape varietal popular in the Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Languedoc-Roussillon regions of Southern France.

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  • Marsanne

    Marsanne: white wine grape from Northern Rhône. Often blended with Roussanne, Grenache Blanc & Viognier

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  • Roussanne

    Learn about Roussanne, the elegant white grape native to Rhône. Often blended with Marsanne, explore its unique qualities and rich heritage in our guide.

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  • Cabernet Sauvignon

    Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!

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  • Cinsault

    Cinsault is a red wine grape that is important in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region of France because of its tolerance to high temperatures.

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  • Grenache

    Discover grenache, a mediterranean grape that is dark-skinned red wine grape variety and an unlikely hero of a grape

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  • Mourvedre

    Mourvèdre is a red wine grape variety of mysterious origin that's grown around the world, including the Rhone and Provence regions of France.

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  • Syrah

    Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.

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More information

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