The Estate
An emblematic vineyard nestled against the northern slopes of the Luberon, the Domaine de La Citadelle is a natural setting pampered by organic farming. Here, the flourishing of biodiversity and the expressiveness of the terroirs merge...
Originally
It all began in 1990 on an 8-hectare farm nestled at the foot of Ménerbes, classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, in Vaucluse. This is where Yves Rousset-Rouard brought the Domaine de La Citadelle to life.
At the end of 2022, he entrusted the keys to two local children, Valérie and Yannick Panagiotis, who immediately fell in love with the place. Together, the couple then realized their dream: to dedicate themselves to the land and the preservation of this corner of paradise.
Respect the earth
Taking care of the living: this is the foundation of the Domaine's philosophy, deeply attached to nature. It is also one of the first in the Luberon to be certified in Organic Agriculture by Ecocert, in 2016.
Agroecology and eco-responsible practices punctuate the daily life of the vineyard, also labeled HVE (High Environmental Value). Horse-drawn plowing, the use of plant cover with regenerative seedlings or even eco-grazing help protect and enrich the soil. The installation of beehives and the restoration of hedgerows, for their part, promote the development of biodiversity.
Exceptional terroirs
Resolutely Rhone-based, the Domaine de La Citadelle now has more than 40 hectares spread over 11 localities and more than 70 plots. Each of them fully reveals the character of its terroir and its grape variety, enhanced by precise and careful work.
Perched up to 300 meters above sea level, its vines, aged between 15 and 75 years old, are also firmly rooted in varied soils: sandy marl, gravelly Miocene sand, silty Miocene sand and calcareous sandstone molasse. These 4 terroirs are enveloped by some of the coolest climates in the Rhone Valley: while they quiver under the Mistral all year round, the Luberon brings them its benevolent presence. A difference that leaves its mark on the Domaine's wines...
A mosaic of grape varieties
15 grape varieties delight in the richness of these lands. At the forefront of the reds, Syrah is the soul of the Domaine's wines, drawing its strength from the cool nights and the energy of the Luberon subsoils. Grenache noir, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot complement it wonderfully depending on the blends and vintages.
On the white side, Roussanne leads the dance, often accompanied by Marsanne, Grenache blanc, Vermentino and Clairette. Viognier and Chardonnay add their touch to this beautiful palette. In order to guarantee the optimal quality of each grape variety, the vine is trained and its yield limited by various tasks such as short pruning, rigorous disbudding, and sometimes even green harvesting.
Vinify to reveal
To best respect the fruits offered by nature, the Domaine pays the same attention to the vines as to the cellar. The latter is installed on the hillside for gentle work by gravity, minimizing the use of pumps. Its thermoregulated stainless steel vats with punching down promote a delicate extraction of tannins, color and aromas. The pressing, carried out with a pneumatic membrane press, ensures low-pressure extraction.
In the storage and aging cellars, at controlled temperature and humidity, each terroir and grape variety are matured separately. To embrace their specificities and reveal their smallest nuances, the Domaine has vats, barrels, tuns, demi-muids, concrete eggs and amphorae: the quality of its wines comes from this personalized listening.
Taste the wines at the Domaine
Sharing its wines and its passion for the land with its visitors is a no-brainer for Domaine de La Citadelle. Its team opens the doors of its cellar, a comfortable and colorful tasting space adjoining its shop. There, on an elegant counter, the discovery of 3 wines is offered to you.
For those who wish to extend this sensory journey, a tasting of 6 vintages is also offered at a price of €5 per person.