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
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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
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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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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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Winery Contact Details
Domaine de la Citadelle
Route de Cavaillan84560 Menerbes
France
Tel +33 04 90 72 41 58
Fax +33 04 90 72 41 59 Find out more
More information
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