CHATEAU LEOUBE

Château Léoube is an impressive 360 hectare property nestled in a protected forested area on the edge of the Mediterranean. The last two years have seen mergers and acquisitions change the face of Provence, with the gargantuan LMVH group now owning as much of that region as they do in Champagne. For Léoube owners Lord and Lady Bamford, the change and innovation started over twenty-five years ago when they purchased a house in need of repair and its surrounding areas.

They were fortunate at the time to acquire the services of a young Romain Ott (the Ott family are rosé-producing royalty in Provence), who 20 years on is still in charge of winemaking. The extent of future planning and pursuit of quality is impressive.

There are many examples: Leoube have constructed an elevated plateau in the vineyard, and undertaken planting at different angles to ensure that the crop matures at different times. All of this enables the vineyard team to bring the fruit to the winery when it is ready, with no one plot waiting on another.

When a plot needs to be replanted, the soil is removed and blended, with any additional needs addressed before its return. The whole process of replanting a plot can take up to 10 years, involving rejuvenating, replacing the soil and resting the land under cover crops. It is regarded as preparing the soil and vines for the future.

Working the rose curve well before the current rush of new entrants, Chateau Leoube are certified organic and produce excellent estate grown wines. These are hand crafted, high quality roses, driven by the desire to produce the finest expressions in the region.