Why it matters
The producer
Bruno Maurel represents the eighth generation of Maurel family stewardship at Château d'Astros. The property began as a Templar farmhouse in the 13th century, then passed to the Knights of Malta after the Templars' dissolution. A first cellar was built in 1637.
Maximin Martin, a Marseille soap manufacturer, acquired the estate in 1802. His grandson Marc Maximin Martin commissioned a château inspired by Tuscan villas in 1860. Bernard Maurel revitalized the estate in 1963 by planting new grape varieties and building a modern cellar near the château. The estate produced its first AOC Côtes-de-Provence wine in 1970.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Vidauban lies in the Var on the fertile plain of the Argens. Château d'Astros uses both AOP Côtes-de-Provence and IGP Var designations, placing the wines under either the regional appellation or the broader Var geographical category. The plain is the physical setting of the estate's vineyards, while the designation controls the geographical name carried by each bottle.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named rosé range comprises three lines, Absolu, Amour and Aventure. Amour Rosé 2025 is composed of 50% Grenache, 25% Cinsault and 25% Tibouren. The grapes undergo gentle pressing and cold settling through débourbage before low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel. The wine ages a few months in stainless steel tanks and contains 12.5% alcohol.
Amour Rosé shows a berry-forward, fresh palate with red currant, strawberry, watermelon, fresh herbs, lavender and blood orange. Amour Rouge 2024 is the red Amour bottling and contains 13.0% alcohol.