In 1993 Nicole and Xavier Rolet began the task of restoring a medieval priory and vineyard that had been slumbering quietly for centuries in the foothills of Mount Ventoux in the southern Rhône. The estate was named La Verrière in 1427, after the glass-blowing workshop established there by Aliot Montvin.
‘With our passionate commitment to authenticity and quality we have dedicated ourselves to restoring the priory and the estate’s 35 hectare vineyard to the highest international standards. Our guiding principle is to preserve the integrity and history of the estate and its ‘terroir’ whilst enhancing its exceptional character.” - Xavier Rolet, Director
The label Chêne Bleu takes its name from a magnificent ‘blue’ oak tree that symbolises the beauty and uniqueness of the vineyards and vines. During the great drought of 2005, the oak was rescued and transformed by Marc Nucera, a young Provençal tree sculptor. He protected and preserved the tree by treating its branches with bouillie bordelaise, the blue-green solution used to protect organic vineyards around the world.
Situated at an altitude of 550m in the UNESCO biosphere of Mont Ventoux, the vineyards are planted predominantly with old vine Grenache and Syrah. Over the last decade other traditional Rhône varieties have been plated such as Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Clairette and Mourvedre. The estate is farmed biodynamically and has a state-of-the art gravity led winery.
“We have endeavoured to capture and celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of our land by dividing it into mini parcels, or plots, that reflect the specific terroir characteristics of each section, then tailoring our viticultural practices accordingly.” - Xavier Rolet
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