"I was born into this world."

Château Pas du Cerf , a men's den? Not at all! It is a story of women since 1848 that Geneviève Gualtieri tells us.

Where does your passion for wine come from?

I was practically born into the wine vat! Wine fills the space. It's the annual "Adventure." We work all year to bring forth a new vintage, more or less beautiful depending on the year. We tend to the vines as soon as they've borne their grapes. We prune them, we monitor them, we give them all the care they deserve, and like an expectant mother, we provide them with all the trace elements necessary for the grapes to ripen properly.

Which wine is most like you?

Marlise Rouge. It has character. Syrah and Grenache grapes from the schistous terroir define this powerful wine. A heady yet velvety wine from female winemakers: a true balance of complexity, richness, and elegance. It is understated yet undeniably classy.

What is your favorite time of year?

Springtime, when the vines burst into bloom. The buds swell, promising a bountiful harvest. The tender shoots emerge from their winter dormancy. Nature awakens, thanks to the biodiversity we have on the estate. The alchemy, the interactions between organisms and our environment, can then unfold.

What happens when an estate is managed by four women (and only one man)?

The man brings his analytical side, the oak tree around which the four women can flourish. Each in our own sphere, we contribute, according to our personalities, sensitivities that will enrich this family heritage. But undeniably, the feminine side will shine through in everything we do. Subtlety and elegance in our rosé wines , meticulous bottle design, inspired décor of our reception areas and gardens, and so on…

A meeting that left a lasting impression on you?

My father, through his love of the land and his passion for the Château Pas du Cerf vineyard, was a visionary for his time. Everything he predicted for me came true. He was a tireless worker. If his daughter and granddaughters are successful professionals today, it's thanks to him. He instilled in us this love for the craft.

What do you find unbearable about the world of wine?

All our politicians try to make us out to be drug dealers. It's the best job in the world. Everyone agrees, and yet we have to fight tirelessly to practice it.

Not from the deer… Where does this rather unusual name for a castle come from?

This is the name of the place where the vines are planted. Here is the story: "As far back as anyone can remember, the origin of Pas du Cerf (Stag's Pass) is recounted to us by the elders during evening gatherings. In the year 1533, our good King of France, Francis I, stayed in the south to celebrate the marriage of his son, Henry II, to Catherine de Medici. Having traveled there with his court, the king spent several months on the coast. The Count of Provence , Lord of Hyères, invited Francis I to hunt deer on his lands. The terrain being hilly and unsuitable for hunting with hounds, the king pursued the deer at a walking pace. A very large stag was killed, and in homage to the king, the inhabitants of Hyères named the place: 'Pas du Cerf' (Stag's Pass)."

We imagine you are a rather complementary family, who does what at the castle?

Everyone has their role! My husband takes care of the vineyard, my eldest daughter, Aurore, handles sales in France and for export, my younger daughter, Diane, is in charge of winemaking, and my youngest daughter, Marion, represents us in the Bouches-du-Rhône region . As for me, I take care of the communication and marketing side of things.

Find Geneviève's wines at Les Grappes

Loïc Tanguy (Les Grappes)