CHATEAU SIGNAC

The history of Signac goes back to at least 3000BC, when the first settlers arrived. Many centuries later, in about 30BC, the Voltinia tribe first planted vines there; Benedictine monks then worked the land from the Middle Ages until the Revolution.

In 1961, there were only 4 hectares (10 acres) of vines. The then owner, M. Joannet, transformed the property through courage and determination until the vineyards covered 38 hectares (94 acres).

In 1989, the Amez-Droz family and their associates took control of the future of the estate. A gradual replanting of the vineyards was started, with the aim of increasing the percentage of noble grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah (Shiraz) and Mourvèdre. Today the average age of the vines is over 35 years old, with an ideal proportion of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Counoise.

Here the garrigue charms the vines and secretly bestows the scent of thyme and rosemary which brings to mind the fragrances of Provence.

In order to look after the environment and to allow the terroir fully to express itself, the vineyards are worked according to the concepts of ‘culture raisonée', which uses no herbicides and few other chemicals.

With average harvests of 25 - 30 hl/ha, the vines of Signac produce concentrated grapes which allow us to make wines worthy of the finest crus (growths) of the Rhone valley.

The grapes are picked entirely by hand. As the harvest approaches, the vines are monitored daily so that we can determine when each part of the vineyards is at optimum maturity. And so the wonderful story of an exceptional wine begins...