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The largest of the Provencal ‘Crus Classés’ vineyards is reborn.

The Domaine is blessed with a unique ‘’terroir’ on the St. Tropez peninsula, and it lived up to its promise at its re-opening on June 15. Owner Vincent Bolloré has won his bet – it is possible to return to authentic wines using the extensive modern techniques he has invested in his cellars and vineyards.

Michel Rolland, one of France’s most famous winemakers, participated in La Croix’s revival. From the planting of the vines to the blending of the different vintages, his skillful eye closely monitored each step…

The diverse variety of grapes on this sublime terroir, combined with the perfect control of the vinification and aging processes, obtained an aromatic wine filled with impressively rich and silky tannins. This area was directed by the capable the hands of two women, Pascale Andrieux, the director of operations, and Helena Sinaeve, the resident oenologist.

June 5, 2009
Many winemakers AOC “Côtes de Provence” were present at the Aqua Club on the famous Pamplone beach in Saint-Tropez on a beautiful sunny day, for a presentation of their new 2008 vintage of rosé wines. As always, there were very nice surprises with some great wines with very well developed rich flavors, but also some disappointments with wines that lacked aromatic complexity.
On the whole, the wines presented will be perfect for summer 2009.

After a delicious aioli lunch and delectable dessert the winegrowers spoke against the “rose cutting” (blending of white and red wines) that the EEC is trying to impose on Europe.

The news today…is Hooray for rosé!
Mariann Fischer-Boel waived the adoption by the EU with regards to the development of “rosé cutting” Michel Barnier, Minister of Agriculture french, has been engaged for several months in a dialogue with Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture to the EEC, and French wine professionals, to maintain the ban on combining white wine and red wine to make rosé wine without a geographical indication.
While the Committee had proposed lifting the ban, the French wine industry and the political deciders mobilized massively against such a project. With such a mobilization and serious economic arguments, Mariann Fisher Boel announced that it would not adopt “the “rosé cutting” manufacturing process.
Thanks to the rosé wines produced in their special way, France is the world’s largest producer of quality rosé wine…Isabelle