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Star of Provence
Domaines Ott was founded in 1912 by Marcel Ott, an agricultural engineer from Alsace who dreamed of establishing a great wine estate near the Mediterranean. Today the wineries are owned and managed by Champagne Louis Roederer and produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines. These wines are made at three distinctively different estates in the Bandol and Côtes de Provence appellations.
The story of the Ott star: At the turn of the 20th century, Marcel Ott wanted to patent his name and law required that he add a distinctive symbol; he chose the star.
CHÂTEAU DE SELLE Acquired in 1912 and located in the heart of the Côtes de Provence, the domaine has 64 hectares devoted to wine production. The vines surround a superb 18th century country house, a former home of the Comtes de Provence. The estate, entirely carved into the rocky land by Marcel Ott, his children and grandchildren, has been remodelled and replanted several times over. The winery is perched high on the plateau of Var and enjoys abundant sunshine and an arid soil. Grape varieties: Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah make up the world famous Coeur de Grain Rosé, produced by the saignée method. Hand picking, careful selective sorting and gentle pressing with maturation in oak barrels are just some of the reasons why this wine has acquired the reputation of being the ‘finest vintage rosé in the world’. CLOS MIREILLE Acquired in 1935, in the Côtes de Provence appellation, 41 hectares are planted to vines. Again, the land was entirely remodeled and replanted in the 1930s. The Estate’s picturesque seafront location is known for its mix of shale and clay soils. The microclimate and the sea spray provide highly favourable conditions for white wines. The latest wine: Clos Mireille Rosé contains no Cabernet sauvignon in the blend unlike Château de Selle but production is identical to its sister estate and contains all the distinctive aromas and flavours of its sister wine. Grape varieties: Only two grape varieties are used for the distinctive Blanc de Blancs produced here: Sémillon for honeyed roundness and Rolle for its floral, fruity notes. CHÂTEAU ROMASSAN Situated in the heart of the Bandol appellation, Château Romassan became part of the Ott holdings in 1956. The country house dates back to the 18th century and its cellars have superbly vaulted ceilings. All 69 hectares are planted with vines and were entirely remodelled and replanted over a 30-year period. The soil in Bandol dates back to the late cretaceous marine period and is comprised of limestone, sandstone and marl. Grape varieties: Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre are grown for this Coeur de Grain Rosé, also made by the saignée method. This wine has a spicier character than the Côtes de Provence rosés. The estate also produces a red wine with superb texture and ageing potential coming from a Mourvèdre based blend. LES DOMANIERS Les Domaniers are wines from ‘Ott Selection’, a newly formed group from Domaines Ott that offers the prestige of a unique bottle and a quality label bearing the signature of Ott. The wines are produced using traditional varietals and vinification methods. The wines are always bottled on the estate to ensure the finest quality.
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