Val de Combrès

History of Domaine Val de Combrès

Valentin Létoquart did not come from a winemaking family. Passionate about nature, animals and farming that respects living things, he trained at various organic estates before deciding to take the plunge in 2012. He took over 6 hectares of vines in Oppède, on the northern slope of the Petit Luberon in the Vaucluse, and established Val de Combrès in the winter of 2012. His first vintage was 2013. From the outset, he committed to biodynamics and has never wavered: no chemicals or herbicides, horse-drawn soil cultivation, and herbal teas as the only treatments. Each winter, a transhumant flock comes down from the Alps to graze the plots, naturally mowing the grass and providing organic matter for composting.

In 2018, Valentin built his own cellar in Maubec, bringing his winemaking closer to the vineyard. He gave up some plots in Oppède that were too far away and took on others closer to Maubec, bringing the current vineyard area to 8 hectares. The mix of grape varieties has evolved gradually: Grenache and Syrah remain the mainstays, complemented by Carignan, Cabernet and Merlot for the reds, with a few plots of Roussanne and Gros vert for the whites. Depending on the cuvée, the estate produces wines under the Luberon appellation or as Vin de France. Valentin is cited among the Luberon’s leading natural winemakers, alongside Les Maoù and Alexandre Dalet.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Val de Combrès

The Val de Combrès vineyard lies on the northern slope of the Petit Luberon, between Oppède and Maubec in the Vaucluse. Its clay-limestone soils consist of sand over deep clay subsoil. The northern exposure brings welcome relative coolness to this part of the Luberon, where summers are often very hot. Grapes can ripen more slowly and evenly, naturally retaining their acidity and freshness. The oldest vines are 30 to 40 years old. All soil work is done mechanically or by hand: no chemical weedkillers, horse-drawn plowing throughout the vineyard, and manual work on the vines during the growing season.

Biodynamics has been practiced with conviction from day one: herbal teas, biodynamic preparations (horn manure, horn silica and compost preparations), and natural composting thanks to the annual passage of a transhumant flock. Copper and sulfur treatments are kept to a minimum and replaced with plant extracts in keeping with Rudolf Steiner’s principles. The grapes are harvested by hand. Yields are naturally low thanks to the age of the vines and biodynamic farming.

Winemaking at Domaine Val de Combrès

Valentin makes his wines in his Maubec cellar according to a simple, uncompromising approach: no winemaking additives, no added sulfites, only indigenous yeasts, and no filtration or fining. "The approach is consistent from vineyard to cellar." Maceration times vary by cuvée and desired style, from short macerations for light, fruity wines to long ones for wines intended for aging. The easy-drinking cuvées are aged mainly in concrete, stainless steel or fiberglass tanks, while the flagship cuvée, Quille de Joie, spends a year in oak barrels. Some cuvées are fermented as whole clusters, while others are fully destemmed, depending on the grape varieties and desired aromas.

The wines of Val de Combrès are decidedly fruit-forward and approachable: "No need to decant them or make a big ceremony of it; Val de Combrès wines are ready to enjoy straight away, preferably in good company." Valentin’s aim is to make honest wines that express their terroir and vintage without artifice, in a spirit of sharing and conviviality.

The Cuvées of Domaine Val de Combrès

The Holidays (Vin de France Red): A wine made for immediate enjoyment from 100% Grenache, vinified to showcase the grape’s pure fruit and freshness. Short maceration and aging in tanks. "100% Grenache, all about the fruit." Aromas of red berries, flowers and light spice. Light and fruit-forward on the palate, with a fresh, lively finish. The estate’s easy-drinking red, ready to enjoy as soon as it’s opened, whatever the occasion.

The Light (Vin de France Red): A red blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Carignan: "Still all about the fruit, with a little more complexity and roundness from the blend." The balance between Grenache’s roundness and Carignan’s structure gives the wine appealing, approachable depth. Aromas of red fruit and spice, with a balanced palate and more body than The Holidays while retaining the freshness and drinkability characteristic of the estate.

Bichette (Vin de France Red): A red blend of 40% whole-cluster Carignan, 30% destemmed Cabernet and 30% destemmed Grenache, with a short maceration. "Easy-drinking and silky." Whole-cluster Carignan brings lightness and an appealing herbal freshness, Cabernet adds structure, and Grenache contributes roundness and fruit. A remarkably elegant, drinkable red to share over a good meal.

The Intoxication of the Depths (Vin de France Red): A more structured red cuvée made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and other red grape varieties grown by the estate, with a longer maceration. A deep, spicy red with aromas of dark fruit and garrigue, and limestone minerality. For those who enjoy Luberon wines with character and a degree of concentration.

Quille de Joie (AOC Luberon or Vin de France Red): The estate’s flagship cuvée and the vineyard’s most ambitious expression. A blend of its three main red grape varieties—Grenache, Syrah and Carignan—aged for 12 months in oak barrels. "The estate’s top cuvée, fully reflecting the winemaker’s patient work and the finesse of its terroirs." Long macerations develop complexity and aroma. A powerful, round red with deep, integrated tannins, remarkable length and greater aromatic complexity than the other cuvées. For special occasions and well-stocked cellars.

White (AOC Luberon or Vin de France): A white cuvée made from Roussanne and Gros vert grown on plots on the northern slope of the Petit Luberon. Naturally vinified in tanks with indigenous yeasts and no sulfites. A dry white with floral and fruity aromas and a fresh, mineral palate. A food-friendly white, true to the estate’s philosophy: honest and direct.

Naturally Sparkling (Vin de France): A sparkling cuvée made from red or white grapes, depending on the vintage, and bottled before fermentation finishes to capture its natural bubbles. Light, festive bubbles, a fruity nose and a fresh, thirst-quenching palate. The estate’s most festive and approachable cuvée, whether to start a tasting or end a meal on a cheerful note.