Triennes

History of Domaine de Triennes

The history of Domaine de Triennes begins in the late 1980s, when two major figures of the Burgundy wine world, Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-manager of the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, set out in search of a terroir in the south of France. Convinced of Provence's potential to produce great wines, they joined forces with their Parisian friend Michel Macaux and in 1989 discovered a property then known as Le Logis de Nans, in Nans-les-Pins, in the Var.

Acquired in 1990, the property was renamed Triennes, in reference to the Triennia, a Bacchanalian festival celebrated every three years under the Roman Empire in honour of Bacchus, god of wine. The prefix tri also evokes the three founding partners. From the outset, the owners embarked on an ambitious replanting and mass selection programme, and experimented with Viognier, which was little known at the time. Today run by the Seysses family, the estate has been certified in organic farming since 2011 and equipped its winery with new installations from 2019 onwards, in a constant pursuit of quality and respect for the environment.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine de Triennes

The 46 hectares of Domaine de Triennes stretch across an altitude of approximately 400 to 420 metres, on a south-facing hillside backed by Mont Aurélien, some thirty kilometres from the Mediterranean. This site benefits from an exceptional microclimate: cool nights, combined with a marked temperature range, encourage a long vegetative cycle for the vines, low yields and the preservation of a natural acidity that guarantees freshness and complexity.

The clay-limestone terroir, arid and well-drained, forces the roots to reach deep underground to seek out water, which concentrates the aromas. The grape varieties bring together Burgundian, Bordelais and Rhône influences: Chardonnay, Viognier and Rolle for the whites, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the rosés and reds. Organic farming practices, grass cover between the rows and a commitment to biodiversity accompany this entirely restructured vineyard, designed to faithfully express the singularity of this high-altitude Provençal terroir.

Vinifications at Domaine de Triennes

In the cellar, the estate's philosophy favours fruit, freshness and finesse. For the whites, the key challenge is to preserve the aromatic potential offered by the microclimate: vinification and ageing in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, sometimes on fine lees, without altering the purity of the grape. The rosé, crafted with great delicacy, aims for elegance and the saline tension that has built its reputation.

The reds combine structure and elegance, with ripe fruitiness supported by a beautiful acidity. Fermentations are carried out in tanks, with moderate extraction, followed by a carefully managed twelve-month ageing in barrels, a portion of which come from Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, complemented by large oak casks and tanks. The use of multi-vintage barrels helps preserve the juicy and fruity character, rather than imparting a marked oakiness. The wines are lightly fined and then bottled, with certain cuvées remaining unfiltered.

The cuvées of Domaine de Triennes

Les Auréliens Blanc: an equal-parts blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Rolle, this IGP Méditerranée white wine captivates with its freshness, notes of white fruits and citrus, and beautiful balance. A gastronomic yet approachable wine, perfect with fish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Sainte Fleur Viognier: a pure Viognier vinified and aged in tank, this is the estate's top-of-the-range white wine. The intense nose unfolds apricot, honeysuckle and lavender honey, while the dense palate is carried by a tension and salinity that are surprising for this grape variety. A Viognier of rare freshness.

Triennes Rosé: crafted primarily from Cinsault, complemented by Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, this pale-coloured rosé is regularly cited among the best value-for-money wines in Provence. Fresh, round and harmonious, it combines red fruits, citrus and melon, with an elegant and thirst-quenching finish.

Les Auréliens Rouge: a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, aged for twelve months in barrels from Domaine Dujac. The nose reveals raspberry, blackcurrant and morello cherry, while the palate combines the structure of Cabernet with the fruitiness of Syrah, with fine tannins and spicy flavours. A crunchy and indulgent red.

Triennes Merlot: a pure Merlot, this supple and fruity red gains in expression after aeration. Round and approachable, with ripe black fruits, it offers a warm and convivial profile, ideal with grilled dishes and everyday meals.

Saint Auguste: the estate's flagship wine and most prestigious cuvée, a selection of the finest lots of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Vinified in the manner of a great Bordeaux and aged in barrels, large oak casks and tanks, it displays a deep purple robe with ruby highlights. The nose of ripe black fruits, nutmeg and spices opens onto a rich, concentrated and harmonious palate with supple tannins. An elegant wine for ageing, the ideal companion for red meats, game and sauced dishes.