Adding Lux To The Cote De Provence

Tucked away in the idyllic landscape of Provence lies the timeless elegance of Château les Crostes. The vineyard makes for a compelling story where tradition meets innovation, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages coupled with a modern transformation.

                  The Château les Crostes estate sprawls across the ridges and valleys of Lorgues, a town synonymous with viticulture excellence, with the grounds covering an expansive 200 hectares which were initially cultivated for olive farming. The first vines planted—and still in production today—date back to 1973. Yet it wasn’t until 1986, when a passionate French investor saw the untapped potential of the land and planted 55 hectares of grapevines, that the transformation of the estate’s landscape turned towards a serious production of viticulture.

 Over the years, outdated facilities were replaced by a state-of-the-art, fully automated and air-conditioned chai d’élevage (wine storehouse), marking the estate’s evolution into a modern vineyard. In 1998, the winery caught the attention of German businessman Hartmut Lademacher, who took over the estate with the aim of producing prestigious AOC Côtes de Provence wines. The management team was an assembled group of experts from across Europe with a collective vision to elevate Côtes de Provence wines to stand shoulder-to- shoulder with the best in the region.                                                                          

The vineyard, completely palisaded and cultivated to maximise sun exposure, employs meticulous techniques to produce wines of exceptional quality. The estate produces a variety of wines, each with its unique blend of grape varieties. For white, Semillon and Rolle contribute to a rare triumph in a region where white wines make up only about 5% of production. The reds are a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the rosés are crafted from Cinsault and Grenache. In addition to the celebrated Côtes de Provence wines, the estate also produces a sparkling rosé and white wine, expanding the range of offerings for different occasions.                   

Obviously, the cellar is where the magic happens, and the vinification process takes place in ultramodern stainless-steel tubs with self-regulated temperatures to maximise the wines’ aromatic profiles. And Château les Crostes has not gone unnoticed in the world of wine. The vineyard has received numerous awards, including gold, silver and bronze medals from various prestigious competitions, such as the Concours Général Agricole in Paris and the Concours des Grands vins de France in Macon, and been featured in the Hachette wine guide. These accolades serve as a testament to the vineyard’s commitment to quality and excellence.

In 2012, the estate was passed on to Hartmut’s daughter Claire, whom I wed in September 2013. We have been managing the estate ever since with the aim of not only creating an internationally renowned wine, but also to provide a complete well- being and relaxation experience to guests. Here—at the 1000-square-meter, 17thcentury château with its 12 bedrooms and large communal living rooms—ultimately, sipping is believing.

Behind the Vines

After Claire’s rigorous academic journey culminating in a Doctorate, and my own scholarly pursuits that led to a Master’s degree in Bioethics, we have been deeply influenced by the ethical dimensions that intersect with biotechnology and agriculture. Our team, comprising experts in both viticulture and environmental science, works diligently to ensure that any treatments administered to the vines are both minimal and optimal. This delicate balance is crucial for the health of the vines and the quality of the grapes. We are not merely custodians of the land for our generation but stewards for those who will come after us.

By H.R.H. Prince Felix of Luxembourg

Senior Contributor