Domaine de Marchandise

Domaine de Marchandise: a family land at the foot of the Rocher de Roquebrune

In the heart of Provence, where the Rocher de Roquebrune-sur-Argens rises with its striking mineral silhouette, Domaine de Marchandise cultivates far more than vines. Across 44 sun-drenched hectares, nearly 176,000 vines tell a patient story shaped by time, seasons and generations.

Here, the vines grow on demanding clay soils, caught between Mediterranean heat and the breath of the garrigue. A terroir that leaves no room for approximation, but richly rewards precision and respect.

Three generations guided by the same vision of wine

The estate was founded in the 1970s by Fernand Chauvier and his sons Pierre and Robert. Their vision was simple, almost radical: work the land with respect, never force nature, and pass on a living agricultural heritage.

For more than fifty years, this philosophy has never faded. It has been transmitted intact, like a silent relay from one generation to the next.

New energy for a preserved heritage

Today, Domaine de Marchandise moves forward under the guidance of Marine Chauvier, born on these lands, and Philippe Morin, son-in-law of one of the founders. Their mission is clear: evolve the estate without ever betraying its roots.

Their complementary skills give the domaine a precise direction: modernising practices, refining the wines, while preserving the estate’s deeply rooted farming soul. Marchandise does not follow trends. It forges its own path.

A know-how refined through time and observation

The wines of the estate are firmly anchored in the Côtes de Provence appellation. This recognition is built on more than forty years of collaboration with Jérôme Paquette, the domaine’s long-standing oenologist.

Together, they have developed an approach based on listening to the vineyard: precise ripeness, tailored macerations, ageing on lees and measured bâtonnage. Practices that were considered pioneering in Provence as early as the 1990s, long before they became benchmarks.

Characterful rosés, reds with a future

Marchandise first made its name through its distinctive rosés, instantly recognisable: stable, generous and structured, far removed from standardised styles.

At a time when rosé had not yet gained today’s spotlight, the estate already embraced a strong and confident signature.

Over the past fifteen years, extensive vineyard restructuring has also allowed the emergence of deeper, more precise red wines, capable of ageing and fully expressing the estate’s clay soils.

A farming philosophy above all

Here, wine begins underfoot.

Clay soils retain water but require constant care to remain alive. The estate naturally enriches the soils with organic matter and plants alfalfa between rows to stimulate microbial life.

This approach strengthens vine nutrition, naturally regulates balance and ensures consistent grape quality. Marchandise proudly claims this philosophy: being farmers before being winemakers.

Grape varieties serving the Provençal terroir

The vineyard is planted with the emblematic varieties of the Côtes de Provence: Grenache, Syrah, Rolle and Carignan. Two grapes, however, play a key role in the estate’s identity:

The rare and delicate Tibouren, bringing a unique spicy framework to the rosés.
Mourvèdre, structured and elegant, a cornerstone of ambitious rosés and age-worthy reds.

These choices reflect a clear intention: to let the terroir speak, without artifice.

A vineyard worked with precision and humility

Every gesture matters. Physiological pruning, shoot thinning, leaf removal, hoeing and trellising are carried out largely by hand.

This rigour limits inputs, extends vine lifespan and naturally enhances grape quality. A discreet but fundamental discipline.

From harvest to the birth of the wine

Harvest time marks the climax of the year: nearly five weeks during which everything accelerates. Each parcel is picked at the right moment, taking into account the vintage and the whims of the climate.

Winemaking continues this precision: gentle pressing, controlled settling and closely monitored fermentations. Each cuvée is guided like a unique creation.

Structured rosés, sincere reds

The estate’s rosés fully embrace their substance. Some cuvées undergo maceration for up to 30 hours, a bold choice that brings texture, depth and a true signature.

The reds are the most direct reflection of the vineyard work. Produced in small quantities, they evolve according to the vintage and the team’s interpretation of it.

The cuvées of Domaine de Marchandise

AOP Côtes de Provence – White: 100% Rolle. A bright and precise white wine with floral notes and a mouth-watering freshness.

AOP Côtes de Provence – Rosé: Grenache, Tibouren, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Rolle. A broad, structured rosé, the historic signature of the estate.

IGP Var – Rosé “Petit Marchandise”: Grenache & Rolle. A fresh, generous and approachable rosé, spontaneous and easy-going.

AOP Côtes de Provence – Red: Syrah & Mourvèdre. Deep, juicy reds reflecting the estate’s renewed ambition.

AOP Côtes de Provence – Red: Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan. An elegant, spicy wine revealing the full expression of Marchandise’s clay soils.

Which wines from Domaine de Marchandise best express the richness of Provence’s clay soils and the family heritage passed down through three generations ?