Château Routas is located in the Var hinterland at an altitude of 250 to 270 meters, benefiting from a cold microclimate in winter and cool nights in summer. It is part of the Coteaux Varois en Provence appellation. The cool terroir and clay-limestone soils allow for the slow maturation of the grapes, producing balanced wines with a beautiful aromatic freshness. The southeast to southwest exposure ensures optimal phenolic maturity.
The 43-hectare vineyard, cultivated on hillsides and surrounded by 290 hectares of forest, consists of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and old vines of Cabernet Sauvignon for the red grapes, and Viognier and Chardonnay for the whites. Vineyard management, free from herbicides and pesticides, aims to respect the fauna, flora, and the exceptional natural resources of the estate. In an effort to further preserve these resources, the vineyard is transitioning to High Environmental Value (HEV) agriculture. The vineyard manager also refrains from using irrigation to preserve water and promote the establishment of deep-rooted vines, which enhances grape concentration. Similarly, amendments and fertilisation are limited to organic inputs of animal and plant origin. Phytosanitary control is kept to a minimum, only applied preventively based on the actual disease pressure in the vineyard.
Harvest and Winemaking
For our rosé winemaking, harvest takes place early in the morning to minimise oxidation of the aromas and color extraction. The vinification process is technical, combining pellicular maceration, juice separation to preserve freshness, and cold stabilization to enhance aromas. Each parcel and grape variety is fermented separately using specific techniques to showcase the diversity of the estate’s terroirs. The wines are aged on fine lees with bâtonnage to gain roundness. A meticulous blend reveals a synergy between the grape varieties.
Since 2005, the vineyard has been owned by Sir David Murray and his family, who also have interests in the wine industry, particularly in the Scottish wine merchant and importation trade, Murray Wine.
