Location and surface area of the Domaines Ott* vineyards
A unique landmark in Provence, the iconic Domaines Ott* name comprises three estates: Chateau de Selle and Clos Mireille in the Cotes de Provence appellation and Chateau Romassan in the Bandol appellation.
The Domaines Ott* terroir covers 261 hectares of vines, of which 230 hectares are planted with vines and 31 are fallow.
Chateau Romassan comprises 90 hectares of planted land (out of 95 hectares), Chateau de Selle has 84 hectares of vines (out of 195 hectares) and Clos Mireille has a 56-hectare vineyard (out of 174 hectares).
What is the story of Domaines OTT*?
Marcel Ott, the forerunner
In 1896, Marcel Ott, a young agronomist from Alsace, settled in Provence with the ambition that this vineyard, with its thousand-year-old tradition but ravaged by phylloxera, could produce exceptional wines.
Marcel Ott gradually acquired three estates and replanted them with noble grape varieties.
A century-long family history
Nearly 125 years after their creation and with Christian and Jean-François Ott at the helm, the Domaines Ott* estates continue to inject their unwavering passion and rigour in order to produce fine Cotes de Provence and Bandol wines.
In 2004, Domaines Ott* joined the Louis Roederer Champagne House.
All you need to know about the Domaines Ott* terroir
Location and exposure
Enjoying a rich terroir that spreads over several villages in the Cotes de Provence and Bandol appellations, the Domaines Ott* estates produce wines that enhance the aromatic nuances conferred by each of the estate’s unique patchwork of soils.
Chateau de Selle, historical Provence
The first of the three estates acquired by Marcel Ott in 1912, Chateau de Selle is located in Taradeau, on high limestone-rich inland hills. Upon acquiring the estate, no vines were planted on this arid terroir, which comprises 40-50% pebbles, however these soils, comprising a minority of fertile clay, now produce small quantities of wines that are renowned for their character and elegance.
The vines are 19 years old on average and are planted on terraced plots. This winegrowing area enjoys strong sunlight and ideal conditions for the optimal development of the vines, such as mild winters, mild springs and hot, dry summers. The grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah.
Clos Mireille, idyllic Provence
Marcel Ott was spellbound by Clos Mireille in the 1930s. Overlooking the sea and located in La Londe Les Maures, this old estate is home to a building constructed by the Benedictines in the 18th century. Marcel Ott carried out extensive work to reorganize the land, which until then had been planted with mulberry trees, olive trees and stone pines.
The vines, which are 16 years old on average, are planted on a soil composed mainly of schist and clay, basking in strong sunshine and enjoying a mist of sea spray throughout the year. These ideal conditions greatly contribute to the production of a wine with a unique and inimitable style.
Chateau Romassan, in the heart of the Bandol region
Following the acquisition of the estate in 1956, the Ott family carried out extensive renovation work on the 18th century building and in the vineyard, by reorganizing the small plots and exclusively planting noble grape varieties.
The vineyard, which is 25 years old on average, is located in the west of the Var region and lies on nutrient-poor soil composed of limestone, sandstone and marl. Mourvedre, a local grape variety is perfectly suited to this arid climate, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah make up the remainder the vineyard.
Geology: Three estates that express the nuances of fine winegrowing terroirs
Thanks to their various and unique geological features, the three estates that make up Domaines Ott* lead to the production of harmonious and delicate wines that express the nuances of each of their terroir of origin.
The predominantly stony soils of Chateau de Selle, resting on a clay-limestone subsoil, give each wine a unique character by harmoniously combining finesse with a powerful and deep expression, all of which is portrayed through a brilliant color.
The glorious location of Clos Mirelle, on the Mediterranean coast, combined with a unique microclimate and a clay subsoil, leads to expressive and refined wines.
Lastly, Chateau Romassan, beautifully expresses its subtle alliance between an arid climate and nutrient-poor soil through powerful and structured wines.
Climate: perfect sun-drenched vines
Both the Cotes de Provence and the Bandol appellations enjoy a Mediterranean climate. This climate is unique in that it receives a lot of sunshine, but it is also hot and dry for most of the year.
Growing practices
The Domaines Ott* manage their vineyards and those of their partners with the utmost regard for the environment. This rigorous vineyard management is enhanced by their compulsory HVE (High Environmental Value) certification.
Boasted by each of the three estates, the deepest respect for the soil and the vines is reflected through; the natural viticultural methods without the use of chemicals, manual harvesting, pruning to ensure the longevity of the vines, but also extended fallow periods to allow the soils to rejuvenenate itself.
In 2019, Domaines Ott* embarked on a conversion towards organic farming. Thus, 2022 will be the first Ecocert certified vintage (AB certification).
The vinification process
A distinctive Domaines Ott* feature lies in the voluntary limitation of yields, in order to produce only grapes with a deep and intense aromatic palette. During the harvest, the family's exacting requirements are reflected through a rigorous sorting process which ensures that only the best quality grapes are kept. A drastic selection of the harvest is also carried out during the blending. Thus, 70 to 80% of the juice is selected. From this selection, the best juices are extracted. Lastly, in order to develop the complexity of each of the wines while enhancing their aromatic palette, the ageing and stabilisation periods are extended.
The style of Domaines Ott* wines
A unique style and bottle
Created by Rene Ott, grandson of Marcel Ott, in 1930, the iconic Domaines Ott* bottle has become, over the years, the embodiment of quality for all the vintages. With its slender curves, this bottle stands out from all others and is reminiscent of the elegant amphorae used in the past.
The wine profile
Each of the vintages produced by Domaines Ott* authentically express the style and terroir of its estate.
The wines by Chateau de Selle are renowned for their finesse, balance and minerality. The Clos Mireille produces alluring wines that are truly delicious and intensely fruity. The wines by Chateau Romassan reveal a fuller character, combined with an ample and structured framework.
Produced from family-grown grapes and sourced from three partner winegrowers, the red, white and rose wines adorned with the By Ott signature are a refined and affordable invitation to discover the wines by Domaines Ott*.
The latest innovation is the Etoile rose by Domaines Ott*. Produced in Vin de France, a true work of art with a unique blend that aims at deepening the expression of the finest Clos Mireille, Chateau de Selle and Chateau Romassan terroirs.
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