Chêne Bleu is a pulchritudinous estate near Mont Ventoux in Provence, overseen by my good friend (and all-round good egg) Nicole Rolet and her husband Xavier.
The ancient blue oak tree from which Chêne Bleu takes its name stood at the centre of the vineyard. In 2005, a drought caused the tree to lose its leaves. To extend its life, it was painted a brilliant blue with bouillie bordelaise, a mixture of copper and lime that’s used to prevent fungal and bacterial diseases with plants.
It survived another 15 years and then, in November 2020, the Mistral wind felled it… 😢
The now definitely deceased tree features prominently on Chêne Bleu’s labels, designed by the British artist Jane Randfield.
The splendid wine portfolio includes the two flagship reds Abélard (mainly Grenache) and Héloïse (mainly Syrah), named after the Medieval power couple whose illicit romance ultimately condemned them to forced separation and tragedy.
The Grenache grapes for Abélard are grown at 500+ metres altitude. It’s cooler up in the hills, so the grapes ripen more slowly. It’s like slow cooking, which means that it tastes nicer 😋.
Bottles of Abélard 2011 have now all gone but we do have some 150cl (two-bottle size) magnums of Abélard 2011 and of the 2010.
Perfect for sharing with one friend – because tree’s a crowd… 🌳
In the meantime, please stay safe and well; drink Abélard – and hug a tree 🤗.
