A Prism of Multifaceted Meaning: Family, Terroir, and Legacy of Chateau Gassier
In celebration of this week's #WineWednesday, I want to highlight a remarkable gathering I attended that marked the launch of a unique hexagonal bottle by the multigenerational family at Château Gassier. The 2025 launch of Château Gassier's hexagonal bottle establishes a singular visual identity, a living tribute to the family's lineage. Its six facets symbolize the six generations of winemakers who have shaped their artisanal legacy. Inspired by the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the bottle's sculpted ridges reflect its origin and exemplify French craftsmanship. Every element, including the delicately embossed "1982" marking the founding year, reinforces the Maison's enduring heritage. The geometry of the bottle is meant to symbolize the terroir and craftsmanship of the winery, reflecting a modern yet classic approach to wine presentation. Additionally, the design aids in optimizing the wine's exposure to light, potentially improving preservation.
Perched at the foot of the stunning Sainte-Victoire mountain in Provence, Château Gassier is more than just a winery; it embodies a legacy that dates back to 1421. This 40 hectare family-owned estate is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines. Alongside George Gassier, estate manager Olivier Souvelain and oenologist Léa Rouyet, utilize organic farming methods to produce elegant rosé wines from their 26 micro parcels that highlight their elegant and unique AOC terroir. Olivier, who is very passionate about making rosé said “ we wake up and we go to sleep thinking about the color of rosé.”
Château Gassier is a true testament to the enduring spirit of Provence, merging passion, tradition, and deep respect for the land to create wines of remarkable character.
What Sets Château Gassier Apart?
A Legacy of Excellence: The Gassier family’s commitment to winemaking spans five generations, ensuring a tradition of quality and innovation.
Terroir of Distinction: Their vineyards thrive in a unique microclimate provided by the Sainte-Victoire appellation, featuring limestone-clay soils that infuse their wines with pure energy.
Organic Philosophy: Château Gassier adheres to organic farming practices, nurturing the land to yield the purest expression of terroir in every bottle.
Artisanal Approach: A focus on creativity and craftsmanship leads to the production of distinctive and vibrant rosé wines that encapsulate the spirit of Provence.
The Sainte-Victoire AOC, located in southeastern Provence, experiences a climate with subtle continental influences, shielded from southern maritime influences by the Monts Auréliens and the Sainte-Baume Mountain Range. It encompasses the hillsides of the upper Arc Valley, where the rocky ridge of Sainte-Victoire reinforces this continental microclimate and diminishes the impact of the Mistral wind. The location plays a pivotal role in shaping the region's winemaking style. Known primarily for its rosé wines, this area produces exceptional blends from varietals like Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle (Vermentino). These wines embody the essence of Provence, boasting refreshing profiles, aromatic complexity, and elegant balance.
At an intimate lunch at Michelin star Gaya by Pierre Gagnaire in Paris, I had the pleasure of experiencing the launch of the new bottle alongside expertly paired dishes. Olivier Souvelain guided us through the development and makings of the uniquely shaped bottle and the exquisite terroir of Sainte-Victoire, while the menu, curated by renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire, showcased seasonal ingredients reflecting his commitment to quality. The elegant ambiance of Gaya is the perfect backdrop for this innovative French culinary experience.
Menu:
Gassier Rosé 2024 Côtes de Provence: This wine features a pale pink color with vibrant aromas of ripe strawberries, white peach, and citrus zest. Its crisp palate, lively acidity, and silky finish.
Le Pas du Moine - 350 Blanc 2023 Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire: A wine they first made in 2021, very small production of 5500 bottles. A white mostly made from Rolle with a touch of Vermentino. A beautiful pale yellow with enticing aromas of citrus blossom and ripe pear, this wine balances bright acidity with lush flavors, making it a delightful companion for Carpaccio of Saint-Jacques with fleur de sel, ice cream cottage cheese, grapefruit juice with chervil, sprouts of sea herbs.
Château Gassier 946 Rosé 2022: This stunning small production parcel rosé is a brilliant coral pink aged for 18 months in oak. They wanted to evoke micro-oxygenation in this gastronomic wine to create complexity and layers. It showcases expressive notes of honey, dried fruits -peach, apricot and mango , toasted vanilla, clove and racy minerals, ripe strawberries and fresh watermelon, balanced by crisp acidity and a clean, lingering finish. A complex wine paired beautifully with Bigorre cod, whole roast & thick sliced, laid on a Roscoff onion fondue with sweet curry, potatoes rattes with Nantais butter.
Le Pas du Moine - 350 Rosé 2024: This exquisite rosé presents vibrant notes of ripe strawberries and pink grapefruit, delivering a lively, refreshing sip that captures the Provençal terroir. To conclude this delightful meal, a passion fruit macaroon with roasted pineapple was served, perfectly complemented by the exquisite Le Pas du Moine - 350 Rosé.
Learning about the inspiring journey of Château Gassier from Olivier and the winemaking insights shared by the talented Léa Rouyet made this experience all the more special. Cheers to the legacy of this remarkable estate!Cheers to the legacy of this remarkable estate! Many thanks to Chateau Gassier and Marianne Fabre-Lanvin & Co team for organizing such spectacular event.
