Domaine de la Citadelle

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 celebrated but up-and-coming part of the Rhône wine region. Its secret weapon is undoubtedly an impressive portfolio of choice vineyards, with a prized 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. He has achieved over the past 15 years is nothing short of remarkable in a region that was once regarded as a rather humdrum part of the Southern Rhône.

Domaine de la Citadelle is one of the 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 he was captivated by the region’s outstanding scenery and 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, the viticulture is moving towards a totally 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, investing 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.

Today, careful vineyard management, modern vinification techniques, and tight quality controls are continuing 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’re going to drink only one wine from the Cotes du Luberon, this is surely it. Apart from great wines, this is a wonderful place to visit for its charm, beauty, and hospitality.