In the Greek-Celtic period, Roquefort was a rear-guard fortification for the nearby towns of Cassis and Marseille. When it was requisitioned by the Romans it was renamed “Rocca Fortis” and later, “Roquefort”. It was passed between the Crown of Provence to the bishops of Marseille and eventually, in 1812, it was bought by the Earl of Gardanne, an army officer and ancestor to the de Villeneuve de Flayosc family who are the estate’s present owners. The average age of the vines in this 24 ha of vineyard is forty years and it features many traditional Provencal varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault for the reds and Clairette, Rolle and Ugni for the whites. The strength of this domaine lies in its unique microclimate: the tides breathe life into the vineyard and its altitude brings cool nights, meaning grapes ripen slowly and Roquefort wines consequently retain a remarkable aromatic complexity. Raimond de Villeneuve is the current head of the domaine, which is now converted to organic viticulture (ECOCERT certified) and soils are worked without chemical additions. Many cuvées have been produced as a result of the experiments made by this domaine with their unique blends, even if that means bearing the sub-category classifications of VDP or IGP.

Produced from old vines of Grenache, this cuvée is produced only in great years. The Grenache is vinified separately and matured for two and a half years in barrels. On the nose, there are aromas of oak and intense red fruits as well as mushroom and forest floor. When tasting, the palate reveals spiced notes.