Provence, famous for its rustic charm, natural beauty and exquisite wines, offers a wealth of treasures to discover. Among these is Maison Sainte Marguerite, a winery that embodies the very essence of this region. Far from the clichés of Provence, this estate is run by a family that has challenged the conventions of rosé wine, shaping a range of singular wines.
The Fayard family, owners of Sainte Marguerite en Provence for 46 years, have boldly and independently anticipated consumer expectations and created rosé wines marked by elegance and finesse. These wines stand out in the wine world for their unique identity, the fruit of an atypical career and an unwavering respect for the environment.
In 1977, Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard discovered and fell under the spell of the Sainte-Marguerite estate in La Londe-les-Maures. Self-taught, visionary and determined, they recognized the potential of Provence rosé wines well before the craze of the 2000s. Their family has grown and their children, Olivier, Enzo, Sigolène and Lionel, have joined the adventure, each bringing their own contribution to the edifice, joining forces to pursue their parents’ dream.
In 2022, a partnership was formed with the Pernod Ricard group, with the aim of consolidating the project and further developing Sainte Marguerite en Provence, both in France and internationally.
The Sainte Marguerite vineyard covers almost 200 hectares divided into 11 parcels, all located on some of the most renowned terroirs in the Côtes-de-Provence AOC. The estate obtained Ecocert certification in 2003, following twenty years of natural vine cultivation. The estate also offers vegan wines, as demonstrated by the Fantastique Rosé cuvée, which benefits from both organic and vegan certification.
Of the 17 grape varieties grown in Provence, Sainte Marguerite en Provence has chosen Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle for its rosés. These three grape varieties, planted according to soil type and plot orientation, give Sainte Marguerite en Provence wines their distinctive elegance and finesse.
The company offers two emblematic cuvées. Cuvée Symphonie Rosé, certified organic in France, is appreciated for its finesse, freshness and generous aroma, with notes of white peach and citrus.
Commitment to the environment: The visionary path of biodynamics
To fully understand the distinctive character of Sainte Marguerite wines in Provence, it’s essential to consider the Fayard family’s unwavering commitment to respecting the environment. It’s a visionary approach that began almost two decades ago, when the estate began adopting more natural growing methods. As early as 2003, Sainte Marguerite en Provence obtained Ecocert certification for its wines, echoing a requirement that guides the Fayard family in all its actions.
Indeed, Sainte Marguerite en Provence is much more than just a winery; it’s a diverse ecosystem that respects nature, where the absence of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides is the norm. Going beyond simple organic certification, the estate also guarantees 100% plant-based production, with no animal inputs, and is registered with the Vegan Society.
In addition, the adoption of state-of-the-art equipment for vineyard cultivation has significantly reduced the farm’s carbon footprint.
The uniqueness of rosé wines from Sainte Marguerite en Provence: Elegance and finesse
Of the 17 grape varieties found in Provence, Sainte Marguerite en Provence has chosen to focus on three for its rosés. Grenache, the signature grape variety, brings constant elegance and fruity aromatic intensity. Cinsault expresses finesse and delicacy, while Rolle (or Vermentino in Italian) completes the aromatic framework with subtle fruitiness.
These three grape varieties, planted according to soil type and plot orientation, make Sainte Marguerite en Provence wines unique. They are appreciated for their elegance and finesse, and are a true guarantee of quality.
Two expressions of the unique know-how of Sainte Marguerite en Provence
The domaine offers two flagship cuvées: Symphonie Rosé and Fantastique Rosé.
Symphonie Rosé is a harmonious composition of aromas, certified organic in France, distinguished by its finesse, freshness and aromatic generosity. Notes of white peach and citrus add a zesty sensation to this wine.
Fantastique Rosé, on the other hand, is a Côtes-de-Provence Cru Classé certified organic and vegan. Balanced, structured and precise, this great rosé wine is made from the best parcels of the Château Sainte Marguerite vineyard. It features notes of vine peach, pear and citrus, as well as floral and more exotic hints.
Rediscovering Rosé : The wines of Sainte Marguerite en Provence
With their commitment to quality and respect for the environment, the wines of Sainte Marguerite en Provence invite you to rediscover rosé. The rigor and precision of biodynamic viticulture, combined with careful, respectful vinification, give rise to rosé wines of great finesse, distinguished by their complex aromatic expression and elegant texture.
Rosé from Sainte Marguerite en Provence is not just a summer wine to be enjoyed chilled, it’s also a gourmet wine that goes brilliantly with a wide variety of dishes. It goes wonderfully with grilled fish, shellfish, Mediterranean salads, mild cheeses and fruity desserts. Its freshness and finesse make it the ideal companion for convivial meals, aperitifs with friends, or romantic dinners under the stars.
In short, rosé wines from Sainte Marguerite en Provence are a real invitation to travel, transporting you to the heart of a sunny region, between sea and mountains, where vines are cultivated with passion and respect. A journey of the senses, discovering authentic flavors and magnificent landscapes, that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The beauty of the estate, the Fayard family’s passion for viticulture, and their commitment to biodynamic viticulture and respect for the environment are all reasons to discover and enjoy the rosé wines of Sainte Marguerite en Provence.