Domaine de Triennes 'Saint Auguste' Rouge 2020

Two of Burgundy’s greatest names – Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti – are the partners behind this pioneering property in Provence, northeast of Marseille and due east of Aix-en-Provence. In less than two decades, they have transformed this stunning 113.7 acre (46 hectare) site into one of the top wine estates in Southern France.

In 1989, the two icons of Burgundy, along with their Parisian good friend, Michel Macaux, went in search of new vineyards. Their attention turned to southern France where they were convinced the potential for great wines was enormous. After a long search, they discovered the Domaine du Logis de Nans in the Var, north-east of Marseill, east of Aix en Provence. They were immediately attracted to its gently sloping hillside with southern exposure. They saw its cool microclimate and its clay and limestone soils as ideal for viticulture.

The estate was renamed Triennes, a reference to Triennia, the festival for Bacchus, which was held every three years during Roman times. The prefix “Tri” serving as a reminder of the three original partners.

The estate, which shows evidence of settlement and culture since Etruscan times, is located between 1378 – 1450 feet (420 – 450 meters) above sea level on a gently sloping hillside between the mountain ranges of Monts Aurelien and Sainte Baume. The climate is the classic warm days and cool nights that most exceptional appellations enjoy. The unusually long growing season virtually guarantees consistently ripe fruit with good acidities and great complexity.

From the very beginning an ambitious replanting program was put in place. The aim was to recreate a healthy vineyard, with vines and rootstocks adapted to the local growing conditions. They manage the vines as naturally as possible and in harmony with the environment. For instance, they grow a cover crop every second row to help control vigor, limit erosion and help to assimilate organic material. Domaine de Triennes is now certified organic by Ecocert.