Chemin du Défends, 83470 Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
Located in the foothills of the Monts Aurélien, the domain is on a limestone, poor and filtering soil. Its East-South-East location, its privileged exposure and its constant slope allow the vineyard to never undergo the effects of frost.
Thanks to the discovery of some vestiges of the Gallo-Roman period, we know that the Domain of Deffends devoted most of its activity to olive trees and cereals. Jacques de Lanversin took over the domain in 1963, his goal wasn’t to vinify but to produce a quality grape allowing to produce a quality wine.
Today, the domain cultivates seven grape varieties. The kings grapes varieties are Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache noir. Another local grape variety, Cinsault, whose ardor is tempered on the terroir, which brings a welcome freshness. In 1990, the desire to vinify in white, made it possible to choose Rolle (known as Vermentino in Italy), a traditional grape variety for its liveliness and Viognier for the fat and its complexity.
The domain wishes to maintain its production at a low level, in particular by short pruning and, if necessary, by early removal of the fruits. Indeed, the average annual production is 35 hl. The vineyard is organically grown, Ecocert certified.
During your visit to the Domain of Deffends, you will visit the vineyard to learn all the secrets of wine making while respecting nature. You will share a friendly moment with the winemaker who will communicate his passion and his know-how. The visit will end with a tasting of different wines from the domain.