What is a Cru Classé de Provence?

Understanding the Cru Classé de Provence and its importance for Château Sainte Marguerite

Nestled in the heart of Provence, Château Sainte Marguerite stands out for its excellence in viticulture, proudly displaying the prestigious title of Cru Classé de Provence. But what exactly does this designation mean, and why is it a crucial advantage for our estate?

What is a Cru Classé de Provence?

The term "Cru Classé" refers to a classification system established in 1955 to recognize the superior quality of certain vineyards within the Côtes de Provence appellation. Inspired by the Bordeaux classification of 1855, this distinction highlights the exceptional terroir and viticultural practices of selected estates. To be designated a Cru Classé, a vineyard must meet strict criteria, including historical significance, consistent quality and excellence in viticulture and winemaking. Among the hundreds of vineyards in Provence, only 18 currently hold this prestigious title. This classification is not only a guarantee of quality, but also a testament to the quality of our products.heritage and commitment to producing exceptional wines.

Advantages for Château Sainte Marguerite

For our estate, being a Cru Classé de Provence is more than just a prestigious label, it's a significant advantage that distinguishes the estate in several key ways:

Quality recognition

Château Sainte Marguerite has been named Cru Classé des Côtes-de-Provence in 1955recognizing the quality of our terroir and our wines. This commitment has continued with the Fayard family and continues with the second generation. Cru Classé status is a guarantee of excellence, thanks to a mastery of viticultural techniques, a deep understanding of our terroir and innovation at the service of tradition. Our wines, divided into 3 collectionsThey guarantee consistency and finesse, bringing the best of Provence to wine lovers.

Prestige Historique

The classification underlines the historical importance of our Château. As one of the few estates to have received this status, it highlights the vineyard's tradition and contribution to the region's wine heritage. We are proud to put innovation at the service of the traditionby combining our ancestral know-how with modern techniques to produce exceptional wines. This approach enables us to preserve and enrich our heritage while meeting the expectations of today's wine lovers.

From vine to bottle

Traceability and excellence: We produce exceptional wines from our unique terroir. Since the 2024 vintage, all our wines have been made from grapes grown on our own land, ensuring impeccable traceability and quality.

Our wines are certified Biological and Veganreflecting our commitment to the environment and animal welfare. As Olivier Fayard, Château Director, points out, "respecting and nurturing our terroirs is essential to obtaining the highest quality grapes, enabling us to produce exceptional wines". From vine to bottle, we control every stage of production to guarantee wines of incomparable quality.

Enhanced Tourism

Wine tourism is a mainstay of the Provencal economy, and our status as a Cru Classé attracts visitors from all over the world, eager to discover our wines and our estate. This activity contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of the region. We place particular emphasis on wine tourism, offering free tours that provide a total immersion in our heritage.

We have also designed immersive sensory experiences, 'Taste of Provencethat capture the aromatic richness of our wines. These experiences are a reflection of our terroirs and our quality grapes from massal selection, as well as our historical know-how of almost 50 years. We believe there's no better way to discover the world of our Château than to experience it for yourself. visit and taste our wines during a unique and enriching experience at the heart of the Château.

To conclude the designation of Cru Classé de Provence is a prestigious distinction that brings many advantages to Château Sainte Marguerite. It testifies to the estate's commitment to quality, its historical importance and its ability to produce some of the finest wines in the world. For wine lovers and connoisseurs alike, the Cru Classé label is a guarantee of excellence, making our estate a must-see destination in the enchanting region of Provence. By understanding the significance of this classification, one can truly appreciate the exceptional wines and rich heritage that Château Sainte Marguerite brings to the world of wine.