The sustainable farmed estate abounds in the agricultural diversity that is key to vine health. The 290 hectares encompass wheat fields and olive trees, and black truffles stud the earth. Red poppies give way to brilliant yellow sunflowers, and in the fall, the surrounding forests yield abundant mushrooms-cepes (porcini), fragile girolles, and morels. Helpful insects play their part in keeping the vines disease-free.

The terrain is punctuated by a stunning geological anomaly, the 270 meter-deep Infernet Hole (Devil’s Hole), a canyon thought to have been created by a meteor collision. The hole is a favourite refuge of the local wild boars, which are unfortunately, a little too fond of the Chateau Routas grapes!

As in all the best properties, the Chateau Routas soil varies dramatically, resulting in small vineyards that are often unusually shaped. Some plots are red as crushed brick, while others are of crumbly grey limestone mixed with bright red stones that bleach in the hot summer sun. The elevation is among Provence’s highest, providing cool nights that slow the ripening of the grapes, contributing complexity, and dictating harvests that are up to a month later than those nearer the coast.

At Château Routas, the integration of High Environmental Value (HVE) agriculture is a testament to our commitment to sustainable viticulture. Spread over 43 hectares of vineyard and surrounded by 300 hectares of lush forest, our estate is a sanctuary of biodiversity. The transition to HVE involves rigorous standards that ensure our agricultural practices protect ecosystems and minimize environmental impact. Our efforts are centred around four key themes: preserving biodiversity, implementing a robust phytosanitary strategy, managing fertilization sustainably, and optimizing irrigation.

Our approach to preserving biodiversity is holistic. The vineyard is nestled among diverse flora, including scrubland plants, pine trees, white oaks, and holm oaks, which provide habitat for a wide array of fauna such as insects, bees, snakes, rodents, hares, foxes, deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species. To protect this rich biodiversity, we abstain from using herbicides and pesticides. Instead, we employ mechanical tools to manage the soil, and strategically sow herbs in alternate rows to control water and nitrogen competition while maintaining a habitat conducive to insects and animals. Additionally, we maintain fallow plots to further support ecological diversity.

Our phytosanitary strategy is designed to prioritize the health of both humans and animals. We exclusively use natural molecules like copper and sulphur, applying them sparingly and only when necessary. Preventative measures such as mowing, disbudding, trimming, topping, and green harvesting help aerate the vines and reduce humidity, thereby mitigating the risk of disease. We also responsibly manage phytosanitary effluents, ensuring they are reprocessed.

Fertilization management at Château Routas is closely monitored to align with the needs of the vines. Organic materials, including pruned wood, mowed grass, organic amendments, and composted sheep manure, are utilized to enrich the soil naturally. 

Lastly, our irrigation strategy, necessitated by the lack of a water supply, focuses on soil moisture conservation through mechanical soil work, which curtails water loss and results in the production of highly concentrated grapes. This conscientious approach ensures we uphold our ethos of environmental stewardship while producing exceptional wines.