Domaine de Trévallon, a cult wine estate with an almost mythical status, is beautifully nestled in the serene hills west of St Rémy de Provence. This iconic domain was transformed under the guidance of Eloi Dürrbach, who sadly passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as rich as the terroir of his vineyards. Eloi, the godson of Pablo Picasso, was the son of renowned painter René Dürrbach, whose artistic legacy influenced Eloi's approach to winemaking. The estate was originally acquired in 1950 by Eloi's parents, Jacqueline and René Dürrbach, as a vacation house in the charming Alpilles. Eloi, alongside his wife Floriane, dedicated over 30 years to evolving Trévallon from a humble Provençal estate into a beacon of winemaking. He innovatively blended the historical Cabernet Sauvignon, once prevalent in Provence, with Syrah, creating wines that are unique and deeply reflective of the limestone-rich terroir. Eloi's approach to winemaking, shaped by his artistic upbringing and unburdened by formal oenological training, resulted in wines that are both natural and expressive.
In the 1970s, Eloi spearheaded the transformation of winemaking in Provence, leading the region's evolution from producing simple ‘country wines’ to more sophisticated offerings. He started the vineyard from scratch, planting the initial 3 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah vines in 1973 after dynamiting parts of the limestone hillside, and produced his first vintage in 1976.
Today, the 17-hectare vineyard, with 15 hectares dedicated to red and two to white varieties, stands as a testament to Eloi's vision. The estate's commitment to organic viticulture and low-intervention winemaking techniques, including whole cluster fermentations and ageing in neutral foudres, has been unwavering. Despite facing challenges with AOC regulations, Eloi chose to sell his wine as a vin de pays, staying true to his belief in the wine's unique character.
Domaine de Trévallon continues to produce exceptional wines under the care of Eloi's family. His wife Floriane, and their children—Ostiane, Isoline, and Antoine—now run the estate. Ostiane handles administration and cellar work, Antoine oversees the vineyards, and Isoline is expected to join the team, ensuring that the legacy of Domaine de Trévallon endures.
Eloi Dürrbach's legacy at Domaine de Trévallon is more than just about winemaking; it's about challenging norms, embracing nature's rhythm, and creating wines that capture the essence of Provence in every bottle. Today, Trévallon stands as a symbol of artistic rebellion and a testament to the enduring allure of a true cult classic, a legacy of a visionary who dared to follow his instincts and craft wines that transcend appellations and conventional classifications.
In the 1970s, Eloi spearheaded the transformation of winemaking in Provence, leading the region's evolution from producing simple ‘country wines’ to more sophisticated offerings. He started the vineyard from scratch, planting the initial 3 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah vines in 1973 after dynamiting parts of the limestone hillside, and produced his first vintage in 1976.
Today, the 17-hectare vineyard, with 15 hectares dedicated to red and two to white varieties, stands as a testament to Eloi's vision. The estate's commitment to organic viticulture and low-intervention winemaking techniques, including whole cluster fermentations and ageing in neutral foudres, has been unwavering. Despite facing challenges with AOC regulations, Eloi chose to sell his wine as a vin de pays, staying true to his belief in the wine's unique character.
Domaine de Trévallon continues to produce exceptional wines under the care of Eloi's family. His wife Floriane, and their children—Ostiane, Isoline, and Antoine—now run the estate. Ostiane handles administration and cellar work, Antoine oversees the vineyards, and Isoline is expected to join the team, ensuring that the legacy of Domaine de Trévallon endures.
Eloi Dürrbach's legacy at Domaine de Trévallon is more than just about winemaking; it's about challenging norms, embracing nature's rhythm, and creating wines that capture the essence of Provence in every bottle. Today, Trévallon stands as a symbol of artistic rebellion and a testament to the enduring allure of a true cult classic, a legacy of a visionary who dared to follow his instincts and craft wines that transcend appellations and conventional classifications.
