Benvengudo Hotel Reviews Provence Wine
The vineyards of Les Baux-de-Provence are set in the rugged terrain of the Alpilles close to Benvengudo Hotel. The wine produced here is rich in diversity and character; whether it’s red, white or rosé. Visiting the Provence vineyards is an ideal way to learn about the heritage of Les Baux-de-Provence whilst tasting the wine and appreciating the climate and surrounding landscape.
Care for the Environment
The diversity of the Provence wines can also be defined by the multi-faceted characteristics of the soil in which the vineyards grow as well as the passion that exudes from the vignerons. The Baux-de-Provence Vignerons have been a recognised association since 1995 when they were awarded an “Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée” or Registered Designation of Origin.
The vignerons love for their land is embodied through their mutual determination to preserve the environment where their vineyards grow and, because of this, care for the environment is of paramount importance.
A.O.C Les Baux-de-Provence wines and their grapes are grown using organic or biodynamic methods, with over 85% of their geographical area using these methods. Most vignerons have been demanding the inclusion of these characteristic in the decrees that have regulated the registered A.O.C for more than a decade.
The Mas de la Dame Vineyards
“Our vineyards in this part of the Alpilles grow on a very well drained soil formed from eroded argilo-calcareous soil, mingling a harmonious balance with the surrounding garrigue, a blend of wild aromatic Provencal herbs.”
Located just 5km from Benvengudo Hotel are the Mas de la Dame Vineyards. Mentioned in the predictions of Nostradamus, painted by Van Gogh, and referred to by Simone de Beauvoir, these vineyards boast a rich history.
For four generations the Mas de la Dame Vineyards have been producing wine and olive oil and in recent years, organic AOC wines, of which there are white, rosé and red. By their own admission, the environment in which their famous vines grow is exceptional and to preserve these conditions, the vignerons at Mas de la Dame practise organic agriculture. At the Mas de la Dame Vineyards, visitors are welcomed all year round with both wine tasting and wine for sale in the cellar on a daily basis.
The Mas Sainte Berthe Vineyards
“40 hectares nestled at the foot of the Baux rock formation in the heart of the celebrated Baux Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée.”
Located just over 2km from Benvengudo Hotel are the Mas Sainte Berthe Vineyards.
What is now St. Berthe was once known as the “la maison aux champs” or the house in the field, then the property of Lord de Mollières. The deeds of the notary, Maître Salomé, mention of a chapel in the process of construction in 1539, which adjoined the main building of this former farm. This chapel was dedicated to Ste Berthe, the patron saint of fever victims and became a place of pilgrimage on the 1st of January and the first Sunday in May for those hoping to find relief from fevers.
It was in 1950 when the David family acquired the Berthe estate and, with their passion for wine, gradually began replacing the aged apricot trees with vines. In 1960 the planting of grapevines commenced, but it wasn’t until 1976 that the Ste Berthe estate opened its cellar and began the process of marketing its wine. The Mas Sainte Berthe Vineyards are open every day and guided tours can be arranged with advanced booking.
Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France.
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