Intro
The 290 hectare Estate of Chateau Routas is nestled between the old town elegance of Aix-en-Provence, and the white sand beaches that line the Gulf de Saint Tropez. An altitude of 350 meters provides cooler nights contributing to wines that combine both freshness and grape complexity.
In 2005 Sir David Murray & family took ownership, ushering in a new era for Chateau Routas.
Region
Chateau Routas is situated within the “Coteaux Varois en Provence”, a key appellation of the Provence wine region in the far South East of France. It was introduced in March 1993 as a complement to the “Cotes de Provence” created 16 years earlier. The appellation is an enclave of the “Cote de Provence”.


The Estate
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.


Château Routas White
Tasting Notes
Pale straw colour, with a light green hue. On the nose, aromas of lime sherbet, citrus, ripe pear and a hint of gooseberry come forward. On the palate, tropical fruit notes lead to a crisp, lively acidity. Perfect after a long day venturing around the Provençal region, or simply sitting under a tree, shaded from the midday sun.
Viognier
Chardonnay

Château Routas Red
Tasting Notes
The nose is first dominated by very ripe red fruits with small berries, and cherry and spices. Then it exults soft and discreet overtone of vanilla, mixed with cherry and laurel. The mouth is large, but the structure is harmonious. The finish is slightly spicy. Perfect with meats, pasta and soft complex cheeses.
Syrah, Grenache
Cabernet Sauvignon