Domaine Rouge-Bleu

Caroline Jones and Thomas Bertrand
33, Chemin de la Bouillon, 84290 Ste-Cécile-les-Vignes
Tel. +33 668 862 659 (Caroline) +33 761 004 792 (Thomas)
Direct sale: Yes, by appointment
Mail: caroline@rouge-bleu.com  / thomas@rouge-bleu.com
Blog: http://www.rouge-bleu.com/

In 2006 the domain was created by Jean-Marc Espinasse, when he purchased the property covering 8 ha planted with rather old vines, Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre and surprisingly a few rows of  Roussanne in the middle of a parcel with Grenache. The grapes from the property had always been sold to the cooperative. Espinasse named his project Domaine Rouge-Bleu.

In 2012 the domain was sold to a young couple who share a great passion for the wines of the southern Rhone and for their vineyard. At Decouvertes du Vallée du Rhone in march 2013, they presented rosé wines from their first vintage together and older vintages of red wines made by Espinasse.

The girl responsible for the winemaking is Caroline Jones. She already knew the Rouge-Bleu, having worked there for the harvest in 2010. Her partner Thomas Bertrand has many years of experience in the wine trade and will be responsible for sales and public relations

At the blog of the domain they present themselves this way:

Originally from Western Australia, winemaker Caroline Jones has worked in various regions of Australia and France, with roles ranging from harvesting and pruning vines to cellar hand, laboratory manager and vintage winemaker.
"My approach to winemaking is to harmonise the modern methods taught in Australia with the traditions and styles of France. This has ultimately led to the decision to be based in the southern Rhone region, where the unique terroir and local grape varieties can create wines of rich primary fruit flavours and depth, which, when augmented by maturation in aged oak barrels, produces wines of elegance, balance and complexity.”

From the Vosges mountains in the east of France, Thomas spent 12 years in the UK working exclusively in the wine trade. He is currently working for one of the major wine estates in Chateauneuf-du-Pape as head of Domestic Sales.
Having sold and tasted many wines from around the world, Thomas decided it was time to have a go at making the stuff! A real wish to return to the rural lifestyle of his childhood, and Caroline’s shared interest in French living, were the catalysts for moving back to France and starting the search for their dream vineyard.
“Passionate about wine, I have been surrounded by it all of my adult life. First at work and now on the domaine where I spend most of my spare time. A lover of wines from all horizons I am, like Caroline, a natural Grenache lover. Becoming a vigneron is a life changing experience and an eveyday learning curve which I hope to be sharing with you all soon, whether you are visiting us or we are coming to you!”

The 8 ha. are situated in 3 different appellations, Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone Village and IGP. Only two of them are used Cotes du Rhone and IGP de Méditerranée.

Wines: (wines before vintage 2012 are designed by the former owner Espinasse)

Cotes du Rhone Cuvée Mistral
2011: 75% Grenache 20% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre and 2% Roussanne.
50% of the cuvée is aged in 3-5-years-old barriques for 12 months.

Cotes du Rhone Rosé Cuvée Dentelle
2012: Grenache and Carignan. Early harvest - direct press.

IGP de Méditerranée Cuvée Dentelle
2011: 60% Carignan (very old vines) and 40% Grenache.

IGP de Méditerranée Blanc Dentelle
2012: Clairette Rose and Grenache Blanc. 7 hl./ha. Very small production.

VDF Lunatique
2009: 100% Grenache planted in 1910. Aged in barriques for 16 months. 
Only 1.200 bottles.

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Caroline Jones and Thomas Bertrand
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The buildings had fallen into disrepair when purchased by Espinasse. The 400-years-old mansion was renovated. The low building in the foreground is the cellar. Not very big but will do for a while.
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The mansion is nicely restored 
and
3 Chambres d’Hôtes (B&B) are for rent at the domain.
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The cellar as it was at the time it was owned by Espinasse


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Updated 24-02-2015