“No enterprise could be more determinedly focused on quality than Chêne Bleu.”
“The birth of a Grand Cru.” ‘Producer of the Year’, “highest ratings ever given to a new wine.”
[TR « Naissance d'un Grand Cru" — Michel Bettane, guide Bettane Desseauve »]
“This place is the complete package. Nothing has been left to chance. Nothing has been overlooked.”
“A case study for the pursuit of making fine wine sustainably by harnessing the ecosystem surrounding the vines rather than using artificial chemicals.”
“The great wines of the world, like Chene Bleu, are increasingly produced in small off-the-beaten-track enclaves with micro-terroirs.”
“Chêne Bleu is one of the top wineries in the world.”
“This is a long-term project run by serious people…. stunning grace and freshness…. it could be the world’s first Super Rhône.”
“Cult Vaucluse producer with unicorn status, one of the great Rhône producers.”
“One day, Chene Bleu may be spoken of with the same reverence as Sassicaia and Ornellaia. Its wines are that exceptional.”
“The dynamism and motivation of this winery is hors norm. We in the wine world are fortunate to have this energy in the Southern Rhone”
“At Chêne Bleu good wine, like friendship, is cultivated with attention, character and generosity.”
“ If Grenache were to become the next ‘it’ grape Chêne Bleu’s grenache-driven Abélard could one day maybe achieve ‘cult’ wine status. ”
“ Glorious wines. ”
“ These wines are exceptional in every sense of the word… I admire their style, and the intelligent, haute-couture approach that has gone into making them. ”
“ Stunning grace and freshness… the world’s first Super Rhone. ”
“ Most exciting new producer… Distinctly unique wines. ”
“ The story of Rhône producer, Chêne Bleu, does actually live up to the ‘magical’ and ‘inspiring’ billing. ”
“ The dynamism and motivation of this winery is hors norm. ”
“ Chêne Bleu could one day achieve ‘cult’ wine status, a “Screaming Eagle” having taken flight from Provence’s garrigue. ”
“ An all-star vinification team. ”
“ Chêne Bleu… has the makings of a cult wine. ”
“ At Chêne Bleu good wine, like friendship, is cultivated with attention, character and generosity. ”
“ The most important new project coming out of Europe. ”
“ The success of Chêne Bleu has come from marrying winemaking practices past and present – with an eye to the future. ”
“ Chene Bleu… [is a leader] in developing adaptations for cultivation and processing that are regenerative and organic. ”
“ At 1800 feet, Chene Bleu is nestled amongst the clouds and some of the most wine friendly weather on the planet. During growing season this crazy combination of earth and minerals make for incredible wines. ”
OUR HISTORY/OUR STORY
“ From picturesque ruin to one of Europe’s most prized small wineries, Chêne Bleu is set to continue reaping the benefits of its ancient soils well into the future. ”
“ 'Home!' That's what I felt when I came the first time," recalls Xavier Rolet… All this thanks to a 'faded Polaroid', forgotten in a local estate agent, the unsellable property that had been abandoned there for twenty years and that immediately intrigued me," recalls Xavier. ”
[TR « “‘Home!’ » C'est ce que j'ai ressenti quand je suis venu la première fois, se souvient Xavier Rolet… Tout cela par la grâce d’un « polaroïd jauni », oublié dans une agence de village, le truc invendable qui trainait la depuis vingt ans et qui m'a tout de suite intrigué.“ » ]
“ Whether a history lover, wine aficionado or simply one seeking out the creature comforts with a powerful spiritual experience, you can achieve all three here. ”
“ …the project that would define their lives. ”
“ A stunning, restored medieval priory situated on a hilltop and surrounded by vineyards – a holy site indeed! ”
“ They say there are places that have the potential to change how you see the world and yourself. This is one of them. ”
“ Few wineries date back as far as Chêne Bleu, an idyllic estate perched like an eagle’s nest close to Mt Ventoux in Provence. ”
“ Two of the estate’s wines are named after the famous medieval lovers, Pierre Abélard and Héloïse d'Argenteuil and one can’t help but be reminded of their story while wandering in the house. ”
“ Nicole & Xavier Rolet… set about entirely restoring the vineyards, house and surrounding pine and oak forests. UNESCO has designated the region a Biosphere Reserve. ”
“ Wanting to undertake projects is undoubtedly a characteristic that [Xavier and Nicole] share. ”
[TR « “[Xavier et Nicole Rolet :] Vouloir entreprendre, c’est sans doute ce qui caractérise le mieux l’un et l’autre“. » ]
VENTOUX
“ The world is full of prime wine-growing regions, which can rival the tried-and-true classics. Don’t be afraid to be a pioneer. ”
“ Ventoux, the winemakers say, has everything going for it: soil, altitude and the coolest climate in the Southern Rhône. ”
“ Already regarded as one of the most significant producers in the Rhône Valley. ”
“ Ventoux must be one of the southern French appellations that has changed the most in the last 20 years or so. ”
“ Ventoux: Wild wild East – what was once a quiet backwater is now one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of the Rhône. ”
“ It boasts one of the highest vineyard elevations in Provence. The land, complemented by extreme temperature shifts and 21 different winds, contribute to the incredible success of the wine. ”
“ There is a small extension [of] the Mont Ventoux to the north in the hills east around Malaucène where you find stars like… Chêne Bleu. ”
“ Ventoux – what was once a quiet backwater is now one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of the Rhône… When you taste the wines of front runners such as… Chêne Bleu it’s clear that something very special lies within this sprawling appellation. You may not find God, but you’ll find some brilliant wines. “
THE PROJECT/OUR VISION
“ Authentic, intelligent, and exquisitely executed. ”
“ Chȇne Bleu’s profile is deservedly bigger than wineries with far longer pedigree and success. ”
“ This compelling destination where quality outshines volume of fruit, as the perfect nature of the grapes they grow. ”
"Et la planète bachique découvre, étonnée, déconcertée, subjuguée, le projet fou des vins de Chêne Bleu » "
[TR : “And the universe of wine, astonished, disconcerted and captivated discovers, the crazy project of Chêne Bleu wines”]
OUR MOTTO (Non Mihi, Non Tibi, Sed Nobis)
“ The love of the land, the dazzling destination Nicole & Xavier created is apparent…. Truly this is a place to be shared… So others may enjoy and partake. ”
“ Quality, tradition and sustainability come together for the great pleasure of wine lovers. ”
OUR PEOPLE
“ Kudos to the Rolets…and kudos to their team for helping make it all happen. ”
“ The intense energy of Nicole consists of focus and curiosity. ”
SUSTAINABILITY
“ Chêne Bleu… is one of the regions leaders. ”
“ One guiding principle, that of Balance and Harmony. ”
“ A high-end winery that focuses primarily on sustainability, the health of its employees and the wellbeing of the environment. ”
“ Chêne Bleu is basically a vineyard within a nature reserve. ”
“ Paying tribute to the vineyard’s backstory, the Rolets have invested in the local community, particularly those taking their first steps into time-honoured trades. ”
“ An exceptional vineyard where traditional know-how and a respect for the environment combine. Chêne Bleu embodies viticultural excellence and ecological commitment… Quality, tradition and sustainability come together for the great pleasure of wine lovers. ”
“ “[A leader] in developing adaptations for cultivation and processing that are regenerative and organic. ”
“ A high-end winery that focuses primarily on sustainability, the health of its employees and the wellbeing of the environment. ”
“ Chêne Bleu….It is difficult to choose one label because they all truly reflect the culture of the region and a family legacy of tradition and authenticity. ”
“ The property attracts hundreds of registered species of butterflies, inspiring a partnership with the university at Avignon to research and help create a property census to survey animal counts, species and activities. ”
“ The family combines its desire to maintain strong values in its respect of the land, water, and protection of the environment, with its quest for perfection. ”
CHENE GREEN/CERTIFICATIONS
“ The grapes are organically certified, are bee friendly…and the winery is the only one in the world to (currently) hold the’very demanding Butterfly Mark’ from Positive Luxury. ”
“ The scores demonstrate the extent to which sustainability and corporate social responsibility are embedded in Chêne Bleu culture... In parallel, the organization’s commitment to social responsibility is embodied in a robust DEI policy [prioritizing] inclusiveness and transparency. ”
WILDLIFE
“ Surrounding Chêne Bleu’s emerald fields are wildflowers, a wide range of plant species and a private forest. There is a bee colony to increase cross-pollination and a grove of bamboo to naturally filter water used in the winery. ”
“ Chêne Bleu — a kingdom of orchards, vegetable gardens, wild animals, cover crops, bees, butterflies, birds, worms and more. ”
TERROIR
“ The landscape stops you in your tracks... 180° of breathtaking beauty, the immense sky above the forests, the noble vineyards, punctuated, in the distance, by Mont Ventoux. ”
[TR « “Le paysage laisse en arrêt... 180° de beauté à couper souffle, le ciel immense au-dessus des forêts, des vignes nobles et, au loin, la ponctuation du Mont Ventoux.“ » ]
“ The soil surrounding the building had lain undisturbed for so long that it contained beneficial microorganisms found to be extinct in modern agriculture. ”
“ Stunning grace and freshness...the world’s first Super Rhone. ”
“ The resulting cool nights and late harvest bring a highly desirable ‘Northern-Rhône’ style freshness to the ‘Southern Rhône’ rich concentration of fruit and tannin. ”
“ A determination to transform an abandoned terroir has resulted in international respect. ”
“ Because it is situated on a limestone outcropping on the ridge of a tectonic plate, the soil contains ancient seabeds and a rich combination of minerals. And, at 1,600 feet, it is one of the highest vineyards in Provence. ”
“ This enchanting haven far above the clouds exists in the south of France where souls from ions ago once tilled the land. Left forgotten for hundreds of years, it is hidden from view and protected by oak and pine tree forests”…
“ The resulting cool nights and late harvest bring a highly desirable ‘Northern-Rhône’ style freshness to the ‘Southern Rhône’ rich concentration of fruit and tannin. ”
“ [Regenerative agriculture] is all about managing an entire ecosystem of living things that work together to keep microorganisms in the earth. It can reduce, even reverse, the carbon in the air that causes global warming. ”
“ …a new 'grand cru. As a winery can't officially be one in this part of southern France, a 'Super Rhone' is perhaps more apt, particularly as the Domaine has followed the example of the Super Tuscans in sidestepping appellation rules. ”
WINEMAKING
“ This compelling destination where quality outshines volume of fruit. ”
“ ...the epitome of elegance and class in the wine industry....attention to detail on literally every little thing from winemaking, branding, etc makes Chene Bleu one of the top wineries in the world. ”
“ They were very brave to hang on to their wines aging them until they put them on the market. Very few wineries can do this and this is a great benefit to the consumer as when you open a bottle its ready to be appreciated. ”
VINEYARD
“ Between the rows, grasses blanket the ground. They are just some of the cover crops that have been planted to help manage erosion, retain water, enrich the soil, capture more carbon and control pests and disease. ”
“ An American classic English Rose and her French Rosé… Regenerative farming is gaining traction as the way to save our earth, our food, our health and our planet. ”
HOSPITALITY & TASTING ROOM
“ Best Wine Experience. ”
“ An exceptional vineyard where traditional know-how and a respect for the environment combine. Chêne Bleu embodies viticultural excellence and ecological commitment. ”
VISIT AND STAY
“ The Rolets’ dedication to conservationism is something they share with one of the most illustrious amblers to have admired La Verrière over the years: the Prince of Wales painted a watercolour of it on one of his many visits to Provence. ”
“ Today, the estate is not only a modern winery but a world-class hospitality venue with dining and accommodations, occasionally serving as a place for secret trysts for the rich and famous. ”
THE EXTREME WINE EXPERIENCE
“ An extreme experience, with ‘(oe)no limit’, it most certainly is… the highest caliber instructors as well as participants of this very international bootcamp. ”
“ Best Wine Course in the World. ”
“ A stimulating, salon-like atmosphere pervades proceedings all week...the knowledge and confidence gained during the course will remain with you, and you'll savour the restaurant wine list and the merchant's catalogue with renewed eagerness and aplomb. ”
“ Reveals the top intensive classes for those who want to do more than navigate crisp whites and robust reds…including a luxury boot camp for wine enthusiasts in Provence. Santé! “
“ There are plenty of wine courses in the world, but very few will take you and immerse you in wine knowledge so effectively for five days...and emerge as a (legitimate) wine expert. That's the idea behind Extreme Wine. ”
THE WINES
“ One of the most exciting new projects to come along in the southern Rhône since I have been covering the region… the wines are fresh, delineated and racy in feel…. ”
“ Delicious — Heloise, more feminine and shy, Abelard more testosterone – extremely youthful and polished, very well made. ”
“ Impressive… smokin’ good. ”
“ Rising Star. ”
“ Respect for nature, traditional know-how, avant-garde technologies, low yields, hand harvesting and sorting, ageing in cellars for up to nine years for the reds, state-of-the-art facilities… All this obviously has a cost. ”
[TR « ”Le respect de la nature, le savoir-faire traditionnel, les technologies d’avant-garde, les faibles rendements, la grande sélectivité, le vieillissement en caves de trois à quatre ans pour les rouges, les infrastructures… tout cela évidemment a un coût.“ » ]
“ Delicate, meticulous, passionate work. The precision is joyous… The refined deliciousness is a true delight. ”
[TR « “Travail délicat, méticuleux et passionné. La précision est joyeuse… Un vrai délice que cette gourmandise.“ » ]
ABELARD
“ More dense and vibrant, yet still structured and very pure, the 2007 Abélard is 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. Loaded with deep blackberry and black cherry fruit, licorice, crushed stone and hints of roasted herbs, it is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with knockout precision and focus. It is serious stuff and still a baby. Drink it over the coming decade. “
( Abélard 2007: 95/100pts )
“ This has dark, brooding aromas of crushed plum and black tea, followed by rich yet racy graphite, espresso, singed iron and mulled blackberry fruit. The long, sleek finish lets the iron note hang on. Dense, but pure at the core, with solid grip. “
( Abélard 2007: 93/100pts )
“ Silky, focused and energetic… impressively concentrated… with clarity, power and mineral-driven persistence… ”
“ As dark at the core as the Héloïse 2012 but with more brick in the colour and at the rim. A little more smudgy. This seems sweeter fruited and a little further down the path of tertiary aromas, though I still find a hint of wild scrub and lavender that is clearly more vineyard than grape variety. The fruit sweetness – including some dried red fruits – is more penetrating on the nose compared with the Héloïse, the developed character is more leathery than black olive, with just a hint of mocha. On the palate, the tannins are more chewy than those in the Héloïse 2012, a little less refined, more chocolate-textured, but equally resolved and melted into the fruit. Not as obviously cool but all in balance with a different kind of freshness from the Syrah-dominant wine. This is perhaps more sweetly hedonistic, succulent, in its seduction if a touch less elegant. Long, leathery-sweet-fruit aftertaste. “
( Abélard 2012: 17.5 Points )
“ This has retained a good depth of deep red colour. Leather, truffle, sous-bois and spicy oak, cigar ash and cedar – wonderfully complex nose. Remarkably together still for a Ventoux of this age – full-bodied, with good tannic structure and fruit – there is still life here. Bravo! Though the oak is prominent. “
( Abélard 2010: 92 points )
“ The passion for their prime variety Grenache shines through. Pure, soft, and plush. “
“ Abélard and Héloïse, the two flagship wines, are produced with the love of a job well done, trust in one’s convictions and the taste of successful complex blends. “
“ Abélard or Héloïse: For those whose palate loves elegance, neatness and length… “
“ Big, ripe, layered and hedonistic… this sensational Grenache has full-bodied richness, polished, sweet tannin, no hard edges and a great finish …killer. “
( Abélard 2009: 95/100pts )
“ Vivid ruby. Assertively perfumed blackberry and cherry liqueur aromas are accented by hints of vanilla and star anise. Broad and rich, but shows very good energy and nerve to the black and blue fruit and spice cake flavors. Finishes supple, sweet and very long, offering fine-grained tannins and a hint of candied lavender. “
( Abélard 2010: 92/100pts )
“ A complex nose of dark berries, bark, black olives, dried herbs, black earth, mushrooms and white pepper. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Structure and slightly chewy with a spicy edge. Intense and balanced with a vibrant character and purity of fruit at the center. Grenache and Syrah. Grainy finish. “
( Abélard 2015: 95/100pts )
“ Drinks even better than six years ago, cult Vaucluse producer with unicorn status, one of the great Rhône producers; color has barely any bricking with deep burgundy color, extremely fragrant with nose of violet, dried rose petal, lavender, hibiscus, plum, prune, black fig, leather, clove, anise, cinnamon & soy sauce, 80% Grenache and 20% syrah, full body with balanced acidity and integrated tannin that gently bites your tongue, savory finish with load is prune, hazelnut, cacao, espresso, date and licorice. “
( Abélard 2006: 2015 4.5/5pts )
“ This has retained a good depth of deep red colour. Leather, truffle, sous-bois and spicy oak, cigar ash and cedar – wonderfully complex nose. Remarkably together still for a Ventoux of this age – full-bodied, with good tannic structure and fruit – there is still life here. Bravo! Though the oak is prominent. “
( Abélard 2010: 92/100pts )
“ Supple and refined, with steeped black cherry and smoked plum liberally dusted with pepper. Smoky and brooding, showing a cool menthol note and tomato leaf herbaceous character. “
( Abélard 2015: 91/100pts )
ALIOT
“ Simply one of the best - if not the best - white wine coming out of Rhône. “
“ We did a blind tasting…. their 7-year-old Aliot white wine blew away all the top northern & southern Rhône wines. “
“ Gorgeous, with chamomile tea, tarragon and verbena notes leading the way for a richly layered core of candied grapefruit peel, white peach and green melon flavors. Just as you think it’s all upfront lushness, a great stony spine takes over on the finish, along with a bitter lemon hint, giving this additional zip and clarity. Belies its age and should cellar well. “
( Aliot 2010: 93/100pts )
“ It was a Provençal Aliot 2007 from Chêne Bleu that won universal praise – its extra oak helping to keep its structure in place as it refused to cow to conditions. “
“ A late-release wine that benefits from bottle age. Seductive and impressively complex, with savory character from chamomile, truffle and warm earth flavors accented by lime oil, honeycomb, spiced apple and pastry crust elements. Builds in concentration and tension with time in the glass. A truly stunning wine in its prime now. “
( Aliot 2018: 93/100pts )
HELOISE
“ Firm… with a nice liquorice spine and polished texture. Interesting! Confident and fresh – does not betray such high alcohol. “
( Héloïse 2006: 16.5/20pts )
“ …a perfumed, lightly textured and elegant effort, the 2007 Heloise is 60% Syrah, 37% Grenache and the balance Viognier, that’s vinified separately before blending prior to the bottling. Fresh and complex, with vibrant black and blue fruits, violets and spice, this medium to full-bodied 2007 builds in the glass and is seamlessly textured and never puts a foot wrong. “
( Héloïse 2007 : 94/100pts )
“ Very deep garnet with ruby rim. Enticing and complex aroma that is dark fruited, part herbal-edged cassis part blackberry, with a little bite that is tangy red fruit – still so much fruit – and a touch savory/smoky and something like crushed rocks even with all this fruit. Still has a light sweetness of oak, now so well integrated that it is one with the peppery black fruit that is so Syrah. There’s also a northern Rhône scented (peony?) purity to the aroma, even though we are in the southern Rhône, thanks to the elevation of the vineyard, I imagine… “
“ The definition of a rich, sculpted, fragrant yet fresh red. “
“ Abélard and Héloïse, the two flagship wines, are produced with the love of a job well done, trust in one’s convictions and the taste of successful complex blends. “
“ Cote Rotie-like bouquet of sweet raspberry, peach pit, violets, vanilla bean and mint, …gorgeous and seamless on the palate, …richness, ultra-fine tannin structure and a light, graceful and elegant texture fleshy and alluring. “
( Héloïse 2009 : 94/100pts )
“ A beautiful red, with a true terroir imprint. Shows salty black licorice and tapenade that infuse a base of rich cherry ganache, pepper and anise. Round and rich, this still has a lot of structure and impressive depth, with cashmere tannins softened by time. “
( Héloïse 2009 : 93/100pts )
LE ROSE
“ …but this year I lost my heart to another Provençal rosé, albeit not from classic pink wine country but from the greater Southern Rhône Valley. Chêne Bleu…is grown within sight of the spectacular Dentelles de Montmirail, which engrave the skyline above the village of Gigondas, on the property developed with great care by Nicole Rolet… “
( Rosé 2011 )
“ This concentrated wine really outperforms its appellation… “
( Le Rosé 2013: 91 points )
“ For those who adore a ‘zing’ and freshness in the mouth. “
“ …flat-out outstanding. “
“ Chêne Bleu, my latest rosé obsession… “
“ #1 in Top Rated by Global Rosé Tasting. “
“ An elegant, aromatic rosé, with nice lift to the candied strawberry, white tea and rose petal notes. Stony and pure, with savory details of dried thyme and salty minerality adding range. Firm through the refined finish. “
( Le Rosé 2022 : 90/100 )
“ CB Vielles Vignes Rosé 2017 (Pont des Arts) - It puts Rosé on a level with top white wines: complex, nuanced, floral, with lasting flavor and depth. “
ASTRALABE
“ Notes of wood, unctuosity, weight on the palate and brightness. “
RÊVE DE SCIPION
“ Earthy and sanguine, with steeped plum and sappy cherry lined with forest floor, smoked bacon fat and sweet oak spices. Medium-bodied and silky on the palate, this is showing evolution, with good pedigree and sense of place. “
( Rêve de Scipion 2018: 90/100 )
