Domaine Sainte Marie: The Rosé Adventure in Provence

Christopher and His Father: The Rosé Challenge in Provence

Domaine Sainte Marie: Viticulture and the Var Terroir

Christopher is a winemaker at the Sainte Marie estate in the Var region. Thoughtful, calm, and pragmatic, he embarked on his journey in the wine industry 10 years ago.

The adventure began in 2007: Christopher and his father wanted to embark on a farming venture together in southeastern France. Since viticulture dominates the region, it was only natural that they became the owners of Domaine Sainte Marie in the Var department, in the town of Bormes-Les-Mimosas. “It was an opportunity to do something with my father, to have a project that we both enjoyed,” says Christopher.

When they bought it, the estate was in dire need of investment. “It was a major restructuring challenge,” explains Christopher. They needed to replant, modernize, and invest in order to get the vineyards back on track and establish an efficient winemaking facility.

Today, Christopher, supported by seven employees, runs the estate on his own. Together, they tend to the 40 hectares of vineyards and turn the grapes into wine: “It’s a magical process. You go from a raw product to a story that captivates everyone,” he says.

When they bought the estate, Christopher and his father began the transition to organic farming. “For me, it was a no-brainer; the transition could only bring us good things,” says Christopher. Yet the results have been a pleasant surprise: “The outcomes of our commitment to organic farming have far exceeded our initial ambitions. Thanks to everyone’s hard work in meeting the standards, we’ve grown closer to our craft. Today, people’s awareness of the product is completely different,” notes Christopher. “Ultimately, with organic farming, you’re taking away products and chemicals… so you’re forced to deepen your knowledge of the soil and the vines, and to talk with those who’ve done it before you. In the end, you gain a better grasp of your craft. Today, we know our wines and our vineyards much better.”

The estate hopes to continue along these lines: “We want to gain a better understanding of our soil. We have sheep grazing here, and we’re thinking about building a sheepfold. Why not? It creates a pleasant environment for everyone. We’re also looking into planting a chestnut grove to offer additional activities.”

The rosés of Domaine Sainte Marie

The Côtes de Provence appellation is little known to the general public, yet “we are in an extremely sheltered and beautiful valley” where rosé makes up the bulk of production. The Sainte Marie estate is no exception: rosés account for 85% of its production.

“The bulk of the work, of course, takes place in the vineyard. In the cellar, we work with the raw material to achieve the result we’re aiming for. This requires our constant attention to every detail.”

What kind of wines do they want to make? “We try to produce pale, bright rosés with good structure but also roundness, for a perfect balance,” explains Christopher. “Our wines have aromas of grapefruit and lemon zest and are extremely intense. Their identity lies in the contrast between the nose, which gives a sweet impression, and the palate, which is lively and taut. This combination creates a sensation of salinity. It’s perfect for meals: when you drink it, it makes you want to eat.”

The Illuminated Cellar at the Sainte Marie Estate

He concluded: “The idea is to offer rosés that everyone can agree on—easy to drink, accessible, and perfect for sharing, whether you’re a connoisseur or a novice.”