Château Pradeaux
Château Pradeaux appears as a quiet and sleepy estate that you might find in the opening shot of an American rom-com filmed in rural France or perhaps a fix-me-upper that a yuppie from the ‘80s would have bought back in the day. The journey up to the Château was along a beautiful avenue of olive trees the parking was quintessentially Provençal, by the pétanque pit. There we were met by the relaxed Igor the vineyard dog who walked us at summer speed through a small cobbled courtyard and into the humble tasting salon.
As he made himself comfortable on the cool tiled floor, we looked around at some of the photographs and awards for this Portalis estate that dates back to the pre-revolution period. The winery today was restored during the second world war by a Portalis descendant and although the estate is close enough to Saint Cyr-Sur-Mer to see the neon slides of Aqualand through the trees it remains a rustic vineyard matching its rustic label.
The first rosé we tried was a deep pink and strong on the Mourvèdre and topped up with some Cincault and the result was length and complexity. “It makes a happy marriage,” our hostess said as she smoothed her apron and smiled proudly.
Tried and tasted the 2017 rosé at €16/bottle.
Destination, drop-in or drive-by? – Definitely a destination, especially if in Saint Cyr or if you want a movie back-drop!
