Trévallon

History of Domaine de Trévallon

The history of Domaine de Trévallon begins in the 1950s, when Éloi Dürrbach's parents — painter and sculptor René and tapestry artist Jacqueline de La Baume — settled in the Alpilles. Close to figures such as Picasso, Léger and Delaunay, they acquired the Mas Chabert in 1950, then the adjacent Trévallon estate in the early 1960s, financed in part by the sale of a tapestry inspired by Guernica to Nelson Rockefeller. What was then merely a patch of wild garrigue became, under Éloi's impetus in 1973, an audacious viticultural project: at 21, abandoning his architecture studies in Paris, he blasted the limestone hills to plant his first vines, convinced by the 19th-century writings of Jules Guyot that cabernet sauvignon and syrah could thrive there.

A passionate autodidact, Éloi transformed this hostile land into a harmonious ecosystem, integrating vines, olive trees and garrigue. The first vintages, vinified in the open air in 1976, quickly captivated: Aubert de Villaine of Romanée-Conti, importer Kermit Lynch and Robert Parker acclaimed them, propelling Trévallon onto the international stage. Refusing the constraints of the AOC Baux-de-Provence in 1993, which limits cabernet to 20%, Éloi opted for the Vin de Pays status, then IGP Alpilles in 2009, thus preserving the integrity of his blends. Uncompromisingly organic, ahead of its time in natural winemaking, the estate became an absolute reference. Upon his sudden passing in November 2021, Éloi left a torch to his wife Floriane and their children: Antoine, trained alongside Laurent Vaillé and Jean-Louis Chave, manages the vineyard; Ostiane, who returned 15 years ago after studies in viticulture and oenology, excels in observing the vines and evolving practices in the cellar. With a loyal team — Jean-Luc in the vineyard for 30 years, Aimeric in the cellar for 15 — the new generation perpetuates this family saga, enriching the legacy with subtle innovations to meet the challenges of climate change.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine de Trévallon

At the foot of the Alpilles massif, on the exposed north-facing slope, the terroir of Trévallon is a preserved gem: arid and rocky hillsides, where white limestone, blue marl and a carpet of erosion-worn pebbles create a filtering, mineral soil, ideal for deep-rooted vines. These 17 hectares — 15 for the reds, 2 for the whites — are spread across small plots within a two-kilometre radius, integrated into a magnificent landscape of holm oaks, centuries-old olive trees and wild thyme. The altitude tempers the Provençal heat, lending a rare northern freshness to the south of France, while the north-facing aspect protects against excessive sun exposure.

Certified organic since 1973, without herbicides, insecticides or chemical fertilisers — only sheep manure and deep ploughing — the vines benefit from short pruning for modest yields (below 25 hl/ha) and an increased longevity of 20 to 50 years. Éloi planted equal parts cabernet sauvignon and syrah for the reds, inspired by pre-phylloxera grape varieties; for the whites, marsanne and roussanne dominate, complemented by chardonnay and, since 2022, a homeopathic touch of muscat à petits grains for enhanced aromatics. Regenerated through mass selection replanting with nurseryman Lilian Bérillon, this vineyard expresses a serene ecosystem, where the terroir of the Alpilles infuses minerality and garrigue-tinged typicity into every cuvée.

Winemaking at Domaine de Trévallon

In the cellar, the philosophy of Trévallon remains true to Éloi's minimalist spirit: "The less you do, the better it is." A self-taught winemaker, he favoured an artisanal, intuitive vinification respectful of the fruit, free from oenological dogma. The grapes, harvested at optimal ripeness in wicker baskets, ferment with indigenous yeasts only, as whole clusters for the reds (100% whole cluster), encouraging gentle extraction and silky tannins. No temperature control, no systematic additions: the magic works naturally, with light pump-overs and punch-downs to preserve freshness.

The reds are aged for two years in large oak vats (95%) and barrels (5%), while the whites spend one year in barriques, demi-muids and, now, terracotta amphorae for a more nuanced texture. Under Ostiane's guidance, practices are subtly evolving: less new wood, less bâtonnage to avoid excessive creaminess, and reduced racking to preserve antioxidant particles. Unfiltered and with little or no sulphites, these wines are born of a "biblical" approach — simple, patient — where the terroir and the vintage dictate the rhythm. The result: taut, dense and refined cuvées, ready for ageing between 10 and 25 years, rivalling the great Bordeaux or Rhône Valley crus.

The cuvées of Domaine de Trévallon

The cuvées of Trévallon come in two exceptional jewels, to enrich your cellar or elevate your meals.

The Rouge IGP Alpilles, the beating heart of the estate, blends 50% cabernet sauvignon and 50% syrah, capturing the soul of the Alpilles: a complex nose of garrigue, spices (cinnamon, pepper), dark fruits and truffle; a full-bodied palate, tensioned by a calcareous minerality, with velvety tannins and a peppery finish. Tannic in youth, it opens up after 4–5 years, revealing a Mediterranean freshness and a northern structure for exceptional ageing potential (up to 25 years). Standout vintages: 2009 (ripe fruit, silky tannins), 2005 (spiced balance), 2000 (truffle and smoky notes).

The Blanc IGP Alpilles, a confidential production from 2 hectares, blends 45% marsanne, 45% roussanne, 10% chardonnay and a touch of grenache blanc (and muscat since 2022 for added floral complexity): a robe with green highlights, aromas of white fruits, flowers, honey and saffron; an unctuous, vinous palate, sculpted by fine bitterness and a persistent saline minerality. Aged for a balanced texture, it excels young for its freshness or after 5–10 years for its evolving length. Examples: 2016 (fruit intensity, lively minerality), 2014 (vanilla, apple tatin).

These wines, with their unique labels signed by René Dürrbach — colourful drawings evoking each vintage — are legends of the great Provençal terroirs.

For lovers of Provence, this is an opportunity to acquire legendary bottles, ideal for patient cellaring or sophisticated food and wine pairings. Take advantage of our selection now for a purchase at the best price: order and let the Provençal magic enchant you. Discover other Provence estates such as Bastide du Claux, Hauvette, Mas de la Dame and Pibarnon at Vins & Millésimes, where you can buy the finest wines and grands crus online. All our wines are in stock and available for fast delivery! Discover the bottles and Magnums from Domaine de Trévallon available for purchase!