‘Le Chêne Bleu’ (which means ‘the blue oak’) is a vineyard and medieval property framed by the forests of Séguret and Sablet, nestled in the hills of the ‘Dentelles de Montmirail’ at the foothills of the legendary Mont Ventoux. It is coupled to La Verrière, an ancient monastery once transformed by a master glassmaker named Aliot de Montvin (predestined name and a surname that has been used for one of the vintages later on). The property was bought in 1994 by Xavier Rolet and has been (very) tastefully renovated by his wife, Nicole Rolet, female ‘Pope’ of the Grenache Symposium and Grenache Day.
Chêne Bleu
As you can see on the picture below, the ‘Blue Oak’ exists indeed and is to be found when wandering around the property.
Absorb the atmosphere
Around the domaine, the vines adorn the hills, forming a natural jewel. Planted 40 years ago, the Grenache and Syrah as well as some Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier … are the key grape varieties that go into the vinification of Le Chêne Bleu. Below you will find some of the many awesome impressions when you walk around the estate. Please do click on each image to see enlarged. It’s SO worth it !!! ♥
Grenache Day Celebration
Facebook did its work quite well because that’s how we found out there was a Grenache Day Celebration, accessible for anyone interested and for FREE! Something we can always appreciate! 😉
I hustled up some acquaintances and friends through that same facebook and ‘voilà’, here we were enjoying a mini-market, some nice music, a food truck and of course…lots of wine tasting! I will get back about the different winemakers that were present later on but first some general impressions of a truly wonderful and cosy afternoon and evening in great company. Also here you can click on each image to see enlarged!
Winemakers present
I am not going into detail about each of their wines because that is entitled to a separate article (or articles) but I will simply add their website that contains their contact info so that, if you’re truly interested, you can investigate yourself.
Chêne Bleu (Crestet)
Mas Delmas (Rivesaltes)
Domaine de Mourchon (Séguret)
Domaine de Cascavel / Caravinserail (Les Vignères)
Domaine de Cremone (Cairanne)
L’Apéro Bleu
Every Wednesday evening in June, July and August you can join in for the ‘Apéro Bleu’ from 5pm to 8.30pm. Among friends or loved ones, the appetizing plates with delicate blends of meats and country cheeses, accompanied by wines of Le Chêne Bleu, by bottle or glass, can be enjoyed while taking in the last rays of sunshine of the day to the rhythm of cicadas. Reservations can be made one hour before arrival by mail or phone (0033 (0)4 90 10 06 30)
Hope you enjoyed your precious time on my blog and thank you once again for your kind interest!
À la prochaine!
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