The lands of Provence were first carpeted with grapevines by the Romans as they spread into France, likely by those who inhabited the fort of Rocca Fortis, now the castle of Roquefort. Nearby, and in ruins at the time, Château Barbanau was lovingly restored by mountain guide Lucien Cerciello and his wife Claude Bodin in 1989, and they painstakingly converted the land to organic and biodynamic farming. Lucien still lives on the grounds but today the estate is cared for by Romain Tchénio and his wife Barbara. With 27 hectares spread across the rare Cassis AOC and Côtes de Provence AOC the spirit of Barbanau symbolizes their love and respect for nature and terroir. The style is a little darker and gutsier than classic Provence poolside pink, to better reflect their warm, dry, coastal scrubland home tucked in amongst the Côte d’Azur.