Press Pack 2018
PRESS PACK 2018 SUMMARY p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 & 5 p. 6 P. 7 p. 8 p. 9 p. 10 p. 11 p. 12 p. 13 p. 14 Preface by Vincent Teulon History Interview with the Teulon family Appellations, grapes Philippe de Vessière Château Vessière Mas de Vessière Accolades Social media Accomodation Beyond Wine Contacts
PREFACE VINCENT TEULON, WINEGROWER The vines, our terroir and my father are at the origin of my passion. After studying oenology and several winemaking experiences in other countries I decided to settle on the family estate. And I ve now been nurturing the land and cultivating my vineyard for almost 10 years. It s a vocation that is intense, complex and difficult, but profoundly inspiring. It s my love for this earth that incites me to push myself a little harder every day; it s exalting, sometimes hectic, but an infinitely rich experience. I seek to make wines that are refined and fruity from grapes that are farmed organically in order to reveal all the intrinsic qualities and character of this fabulous terroir. Wine is the symbol of sharing and celebration. Whether it s at a family gathering or a meal amongst friends, bottles of wine are always at the centre of the table. It could be called a form of hedonism, but for me it is above all the pleasure of shared enjoyment.
HISTORY THE PASSION OF SEVEN GENERATIONS In the heart of the Costières de Nîmes region, at the southern extremity of the Rhone valley, the Château Vessière vineyard spans 65 hectares. The estate, which is situated on the threshold of the Camargue, benefits from an exceptional terroir and climate. This magnificent property belonged to Miss Lucie de Vessière who married into the Teulon family, and it has passed down the family from generation to generation ever since. In 1975 Philippe Teulon took responsibility for the estate after studying oenology at the Faculty of Science at the University of Montpellier. The wine was bottled for the first time in 1978, but only for the family s personal consumption. It was not until 1979 that their wine was sold in bottles in both France and abroad. In the course of time Philippe transmitted his passion to one of his sons Vincent, who in his turn trained in oenology at Montpellier and completed his knowledge by studying modern viticultural and winemaking techniques in Napa Valley in California. Since 2007 it has been the turn of Vincent and his wife Lucie to perpetuate the family history. Together they have been instrumental in the evolution of work practices, notably in the conversion to organic viticulture and in the commercial development of the business. The couple currently live on the estate with their two children to better reconcile family life and what is a very demanding job. Philippe remains active on the domain, working in close collaboration with Vincent, and together they create polished, elegant wines which receive numerous awards every year.
INTERVIEW A FAMILY WITH THEIR ROOTS IN THE EARTH We all love to hand down photographs and souvenirs from one generation to the next. In the Teulon family the treasure that has been passed from father to son for seven generations is a wine growing estate of sixty five hectares, managed in a spirit of sustainable agriculture since Vincent and Lucie took up the reins. When you ask Philippe how he succeeded in transmitting his passion to his son he answers without hesitation, I did everything I could not to! It s an extremely difficult profession, which requires total commitment, and I didn t want my children to feel obliged to carry on. Vincent and Lucie are of the same mind, and wouldn t want their children to take on the estate simply by tradition. I am inspired by what has been passed on to me : this is the land of my ancestors to which I am contributing my vision of the future for the vines. I know that it will continue after me, that there will be another approach, and I secretly hope that it will be that of my children, confides Vincent. Vincent and Lucie have a shared vision of sustainable agriculture that respects the environment. Having started out with classic vineyard management techniques when he took over the estate, Vincent progressively worked towards reasoned viticulture by reducing the use of phytopharmaceutical products to a minimum. After introducing sexual confusion methods and restricting the use of pesticides he finally made the leap to organic agriculture in 2009. Herbicides, synthetic chemical products and insecticides disappeared completely from the property in a return to fundamentals, with the objective of constantly reinforcing the authenticity of the wines, and allowing full expression to the abundant qualities of the terroir.
INTERVIEW Philippe has witnessed many changes in the profession : You have to be everywhere at once; out in the vines, in the cellar and in the office to look after the administrative and commercial side. A complex but stimulating role, and father and son derive great satisfaction from creating wines that please them; wines that are unique and distinguish themselves thanks to a very special terroir. Good wine is the result of a whole year s hard work. And it s even more the case for our organic wines, since we use only products of natural origin such as sulphur and copper sulphate, Vincent explains. The work in the vineyard changes with passing of the seasons. The end of autumn and the winter are devoted to pruning and scarifying the earth, moving the soil to break up its compacted crust. In spring, when the sap rises, new buds will give birth to young shoots, and then leaves and finally the flowers which will later form the grape bunches. The vines have to be guided by supporting wires, lifted and trimmed, and grass in between the rows controlled. And the end of summer and beginning of autumn is harvesting time the culmination of the year s work. Vincent explains: Harvest time is critical because it s the moment when we give life to a new vintage as good, if not better, than those that preceded it; there s no margin for error. To assure a sustainable future for the estate, the Teulon family are in total agreement, they must continue to work with passion, with respect for the environment, and also take into account climate change. Aware of possible evolution, Vincent decided to plant new grape varieties (morastrel, carmenere) which are more resistant to hot weather conditions. New vines planted now are good for half a century to come, so we need to anticipate if we want to transmit a viable estate to the eighth generation
APPELLATIONS, GRAPES A TERROIR WITH CHARACTER The Costières de Nîmes appellation is the manifestation of the singular character of this terroir within the Rhone Valley, and perfectly expresses the Roman aspect of its nature. Established on a vast bed of round stones deposited by the Rhone and Durance rivers, it is the most southerly vine growing area of the Rhone Valley. Stony alluvial deposits made up of red clay and round river pebbles or galets create a convection effect. The climate is characterised by very hot, dry summers punctuated by irregular bouts of rain. A classically Mediterranean climate therefore, but with a veritable maritime influence. This type of climate, which is unique to the Costières region, has a profound effect on the appellation s wines and is a positive advantage in the production of authentic wines. DIVERSE GRAPE VARIETIES Varieties used in the AOP wines > Red Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Marselan > White Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Viognier Varieties used in the IGP wines formerly VDP > Red Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Morastel, Carmenere > White Chardonnay, Muscat, Petit Manseng
PHILIPPE DE VESSIÈRE Philippe de Vessière red AOP Costières de Nîmes 60% Syrah / 30% Grenache noir / 10% Mourvèdre The great originality of this cuvee is a long maceration of several weeks including 10 days in post fermentation maceration which maximises its aromatic and polyphenolic potential. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated conditions of between 26 and 28 C. Both complex and atypical, this wine is the pride of the domain. Its complexity can be happily associated with venison in sauce, jugged hare, pheasant with walnuts or braised pigeon with peas. It is a wine that will continue to evolve favourably for 7 to 10 years. Philippe de Vessière white AOP Costières de Nîmes 70% Roussanne / 20% Viognier / 10% Grenache blanc This wine proffers a delicious palette of exotic fruit when young, developing a more mineral register over time. Its delicate floral notes and aromas of white fleshed fruit make it ideal for serving with a salmon quiche or fresh foie gras, and a variety of fish and seafood dishes are also fine accompaniments. Should be consumed within two years to fully appreciate its wide aromatic palette.
CHÂTEAU VESSIÈRE Château Vessière red AOP Costières de Nîmes 50% Syrah / 50% Grenache noir With its fermentation set in motion naturally by indigenous yeasts and the winemaking process completed by a maturing period in vat, conferring suppleness and smoothness of texture, this refined wine with its particularly sleek tannins bears the hallmark of our domain. The palate is well-structured and generous, with expressive aromas that will match well with all types of salads, grilled meats and summertime cuisine. Enjoyable whilst young, it will continue to mature and evolve over 5 to 7 years. Château Vessière white AOP Costières de Nîmes 70% Roussanne / 30% Grenache blanc What distinguishes this cuvee is a period of maceration on skins which encourages the development of numerous aroma precursors. It is a beautifully fresh wine with aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit, presenting superb acidity evoking a certain minerality, perfect for seafood and shellfish. In order to appreciate its full palette of aromas and fruit, it should preferably be consumed within two years. Château Vessière rosé AOP Costières de Nîmes 60% Grenache noir / 40% Syrah This wine offers both the personality of Grenache and the character of Syrah. It is a directly pressed rosé, with only the very first juice being set aside to make this traditional cuvee. It is a wine with a great finesse of expression which will complement the oiliness and salt of dried hams and charcuteries, and also cold vegetable terrines and side dishes. Best consumed within two years.
MAS DE VESSIÈRE Mas de Vessière red IGP Pays d OC 60% Grenache noir / 30% Carménère / 10% Syrah The pre-fermentation blending of Grenache and Syrah which are vatted together confer on this cuvee a broad aromatic palette of very ripe red and black fruit with a supremely smooth, velvety texture. Excellent with cooked meats, white meats whether grilled, roast or pan fried, and all types of barbecued dishes. Mas de Vessière white IGP Pays d OC 60% Grenache blanc / 20% Roussanne / 20% Muscat The secret of this bottle is in the galets, the smooth, round river pebbles which retain the accumulated heat of the day and restore it to our grapes during the night. This slow and regular maturation, followed by fermentation at low temperatures (13 ), creates a wine with a delightfully floral nose and delicate and persistent aromas. It will admirably accompany noble fish dishes, seafood and shellfish. Mas de Vessière rosé IGP Pays d OC 70% Grenache noir / 20% Cinsault / 10% Syrah Crafted from the young vines on the estate, with an average yield of 50 hl/ha, this is an outstandingly fruity and fresh cuvee which combines lightness and vivacity. Ideal for red fish (mullet, tuna), poultry and cold meats.
Vincent and Philippe Teulon Old cellar - Château Vessière Grape - Roussanne
ACCOLADES WINES WHICH ARE WIDELY APPRECIATED AND ACCLAIMED Awards in 2017-2018 Wine Enthusiast importer connection Château Vessière white 2016 ; 91/100 Wine Enthusiast importer connection Philippe de Vessière red 2013 ; 90/100 Wine Enthusiast importer connection Château Vessière red 2014 ; 88/100 IWC 2017 Château Vessière red 2014 / SILVER Guide Hachette 2017 Philippe de Vessière red 2014 / 1 STAR Decanter 2016 WWA Château Vessière red 2014 / BRONZE Concours général agricole Paris 2016 Château Vessière red 2015 / GOLD Concours des vins d Orange Château Vessière red 2015 / GOLD Concours Bettane / Desseauve Prix plaisir Château Vessière red 2014 / GOLD Vignerons indépendants de France Château Vessière red 2015 / GOLD Concours des Grands Vins de France de Mâcon Château Vessière white 2016 / GOLD Guide Hachette des rosés 2016 Château Vessière rosé 2015 / 1 STAR
SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us! Château Vessière Château Vessière chateauvessiere @chateauvessiere Teulon family
ACCOMODATION A prestigious property which has been completely renovated with respect for the environment. Traditional lime render has been applied to the exterior, EU Ecolabel paint has been used for the interiors and the white flagstones on the floor come from the quarry in Ménerbes, in the Luberon, on the other side of the Alpilles hills. High end facilities (corridor pool, interior jacuzzi, hydro massage showers, air conditioning, flat screen TVs) and an elegant decor offer the perfect environment for relaxation, regeneration and wellbeing. The Mas de Vessière offers space, calm and refinement and all the comfort necessary for an unforgettable stay in the heart of a winegrowing estate. Reservations Phone : 33 (0)6 12 85 81 01 E-mail : hebergement@chateau-vessiere.com
BEYOND WINE DISCOVERING WINE TOURISM The appeal of the vineyards and the curiosity of visitors and tourists about wine are constantly growing. Motivated by a desire to respond to this interest, the Teulon family have defined a strategy and taken action for the development of wine tourism. The estate offers a discovery tour of the domain (2 hours visit followed by a tasting, 14 ), wine education tasting sessions (28 for 3 hours based on six participants). «He who knows how to taste does not drink wine but savours secrets» (Salvador Dali)
PRESS PACK 2018 THE TASTING CELLAR Open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 till 18.00 Week-ends by appointment only. We will be happy to welcome you to the cellar at Vessiere, a place of discovery and sharing. CHÂTEAU VESSIÈRE Route de Montpellier D. 197 30 800 Saint-Gilles Phone : 33 (0)4 66 73 30 66 Fax : 33 (0)4 66 73 33 04 E-mail : contact@chateau-vessiere.com www.chateau-vessiere.com Lat. 43.68252 / N 43 40 57.072 Lon. 4.345533 / E 4 20 43.918 Accueil d Excellence Alcohol can damage your health - drink sensibly. Creation : Eulalie Marty - Photo Credits : Château Vessière, www.emilieteulon.com, Un pied au domaine