Portraits of winemakers

Maison Vignes et Mer: ‘Rosé is a wine in its own right’!

Situated in a picturesque corner near the bay of La Ciotat and facing the medieval village of Castellet, Maison Vignes & Mer is the result of a passion for wine and a friendship between David Boudot, a Burgundian with a background in finance and Burgundy wine trading, and Joël Poutet, a Provençal winemaker from La Cadière-D’Azur.

Who are the two men behind Maison Vignes et Mer?

A Burgundian and a Provençal winemaker

Joël, a Local Son: Joël is a local native: his grandfather made wine, and his parents owned Château de Saint-Côme in La Cadière-d’Azur. Initially a sports teacher, his attachment to the land eventually led him back to viticulture. Today, he cultivates nearly 15 hectares of vineyards across three local appellations: IGP Rosé du Var, Côtes de Provence, and Bandol, says David.

David’s Love for the Region: A lover of the region, David acquired a second home in La Cadière-d’Azur in 2002 and moved there permanently in 2010 to start a venture with his friend.

We had been talking about doing something together for 10 years. We finally made it happen by creating Maison Vignes & Mer!

What are the estate's production ambitions?

Annual production of 30,000 bottles

A New Chapter for Joël’s Grapes: Before David’s arrival, Joël sent all his grapes to a cooperative cellar. The creation of Maison Vignes & Mer, however, marks a significant shift as the brand aims to produce its own wines independently.

To prepare for this transition, David and Joël focus on land acquisition, securing three hectares of vineyards in IGP Rosé du Var, AOC Côtes de Provence, and AOC Bandol. They are also considering acquiring an additional 10 hectares in AOP Bandol. Currently, David and Joël produce a few thousand bottles annually using cellars provided by neighboring winemakers.

This number is expected to grow quickly with recent plantings, with the winemakers aiming to reach a production of 50,000 to 100,000 bottles in the next 3 to 5 years.

What sets these wines apart?

Rosé is a wine to discover

Distinctive Wine Characteristics: Maison Vignes & Mer wines stand out for their fruity aromas (especially citrus in the rosés) and their complex palate with powerful structure.

Our vines face south, receiving plenty of sunshine, but maritime currents provide enough humidity, preventing water stress on the vines. This exceptional dual exposure allows us to produce complex wines,

explains David.

Primarily featuring rosés, the Maison Vignes & Mer range is designed to accompany a full meal. The “IGP Rosé du Var”, a fresh and lively rosé, is ideal as an aperitif, while the “Côtes de Provence Cuvée Plus”, a more concentrated rosé with complex character, pairs well with spicy dishes like tapas or grilled meats. The AOP Bandol rosés are true gastronomic wines that complement spicy dishes such as couscous, flambéed prawns, or Asian cuisine.

Rosé’s Versatility: Rosé is a versatile wine that should not be limited to just summer barbecues or aperitifs. Some, like the Bandol, can even be aged for several years. It has made significant progress over the last decade and deserves to be rediscovered, notes David.

Does the estate also make red wine?

Bandol Rouge and the Mourvèdre grape

Red Wines of Maison Vignes & Mer: Maison Vignes & Mer also produces red wine, such as the “Bandol Rouge” (AOP Bandol), a complex and powerful red wine, ideal with red meat dishes or game. It is one of the most age-worthy Southern reds, thanks to the Mourvèdre grape, which has given Bandol its renowned reputation. Its quality has recently been recognized with two awards: a bronze medal at the prestigious Decanter magazine competition and a Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge.

What about the setting and wine tourism?

An idyllic setting by the Mediterranean

Scenic Vineyard Locations: Located in the communes of La Cadière d’Azur and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, the vineyards of Maison Vignes & Mer spread around Joël’s former family estate, just steps from the Mediterranean Sea. With such an idyllic setting, it’s impossible not to consider wine tourism.

We are contemplating including activities in our future winery, as the tourism potential is indeed extraordinary. But it’s a bit early to discuss this,

David estimates.

For now, the two wine enthusiasts are focused on two major projects: expanding their vineyard area and launching their own winemaking facility, expected to be operational by the 2017 harvest.

Frequently asked questions about Maison Vignes et Mer

Where is Maison Vignes et Mer located?

The estate sits in Provence, between the bay of La Ciotat and the medieval village of Le Castellet. Its vines spread across the villages of La Cadière-d'Azur and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, only steps from the Mediterranean.

Which appellations does the estate work with?

David Boudot and Joël Poutet make wine across three Provençal appellations: IGP Rosé du Var, AOC Côtes de Provence and AOP Bandol. Their fifteen hectares of vines are split between these terroirs.

What gives the estate's wines their character?

The plots enjoy a southern exposure and generous sunshine, while sea breezes bring the moisture that keeps the vines from water stress. The outcome is rosés with citrus notes and a structured palate.

Does Maison Vignes et Mer also make red wine?

Yes. Its Bandol Rouge is built on Mourvèdre, the appellation's signature grape and a promise of long ageing. This red earned a bronze medal at the Decanter competition and a gold at the International Wine Challenge.

Can a Bandol rosé be kept for several years?

Some Bandol rosés hold up to ageing and grow deeper over time. The estate treats them as gastronomic wines, best paired with bold, spicy dishes rather than saved for the aperitif alone.