2016 · Champs de la Truffière

Domaine du Deffends is a small, family-owned estate in Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume, on the foothills of the Monts Auréliens in Provence. Acquired by the Lanversin family in 1963, it was a pioneer in developing fine wine in the Coteaux Varois. The vineyard lies on poor, filtering clay-limestone soils and is entirely certified organic by Ecocert, with biodiversity monitored alongside ADEME, Bio de Provence and the PACA Region. Short pruning, early fruit removal where needed, careful soil management and natural treatments keep yields low and preserve the living environment. Grapes are harvested partly by hand and partly by machine, brought rapidly to the on-site cellar, and handled with minimal pumping. Reds are fermented with pigeage and moved by gravity; rosés are lightly pressed for freshness, while whites are fermented and aged on lees. The wines are made to express the terroir with elegance and simplicity across all three colours.