PRODUCER: Domaine Sainte Philomène
REGION: Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
WINEMAKERS: Geoffrey de la Perrière
Saint Philomena – the early Christian martyr for whom this estate is named – is known in liturgical circles as the “wonderworker.” In the two decades since assuming control of this centuries-old Domaine, the de la Perrière family have worked wonders of their own. The operation is now primarily run by the second generation, while both parents chip in across the property. From elegant rosés to unique Provençal whites, viti-oenology graduate Geoffrey crafts wines that blend tradition and innovation. Reflective of the region’s characteristic freshness, coastal minerality, and timeless elegance, the wines of Sainte Philomène are truly wondrous.
WINERY HISTORY
Emmanuel and Dominique de la Perrière, along with their son Geoffroy, have breathed new life into the historic Domaine Sainte Philomène. The estate, established in the 1850s, was taken over by the family in 2005. Emmanuel, originally a cereal grower and Charolais breeder from a Beaujolais wine family, and Dominique expanded the vineyard from 13 to over 25 hectares, amidst groves containing over 500 ancient olive trees. These olive trees also contribute to the production of top-quality olive oil, protected under the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOP. Son Geoffroy, a graduate in viti-oenology, now leads the winemaking, marrying tradition with innovation.
The estate is named after Saint Philomena, who was highly regarded by the Saint Curé of Ars and linked to many of his miracles. The wines, on the other hand, carry personal family names - 'Valentino', 'Philippine', and 'Adèle' are named after the eldest grandson, Geoffroy's wife, and eldest granddaughter, respectively, underlining the strong family ties at the core of the estate.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
The vines of Domaine Sainte Philomène are planted amongst the famed sandy loam and limestones soils of Provence. These soils offer warmth, drainage, and the requisite nutrients to grow grapes of unparalleled quality. Sun-kissed and opulent, the grapes reach optimal ripeness under the dual influence of the Mistral winds and copious amounts of sunshine. The estate is planted to a wide range of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir and Blanc, Syrah, Ugni blanc, and Vermentino.
This array of choices allows Geoffroy to push the boundaries of the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOP, crafting wines of alluring complexity and liveliness. His approach involves harvesting and vinifying each plot individually, starting with cold stabilisation to preserve freshness and delicate colour through direct pressing. The offerings, including their Valentino, Philippine, and Adele wines, encapsulate the unique taste of Provence, marked by a characterful saltiness and freshness. A distinctly family-run affair, each of the Sainte Philomène bottlings is named for a family member. Valentino – named for the eldest of the grandchildren – is a blend of 80% Vermentino and 20% Ugni Blanc, pale yellow in colour and dominated by floral notes alongside flavours of white and citrus fruits. Adele, after the oldest of the granddaughters, is a rosé of equal parts Grenache and Syrah that delights on the palate with white flower and citrus. Philippine – named for Geoffroy’s wife – is another rosé, made of 25% Grenache, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, and 25% Cinsault, marked by distinct red fruit aromas.
GRAPE VARIETIES
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Vermentino, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Blanc.
