Château de la Tuilerie has been a family owned property for the last three generations.
Situated in the heart of the Costieres de Nimes region, with 98 hectares of vines, the estate has become a true reference in the Rhone Valley.
The wines of Chateau de la Tuilerie are an expression of the unique “terroir” as the estate is situated on the most ancient geological part of the Costieres region, consisting of round stones from the Quaternary period.
Pioneers of "integrated pest management" since 1980, Chateau de la Tuilerie uses qualitative techniques on its vines demanding certain special requirements as grass putting around the vines, thinning of leaves on both sides of the vines, measurement and tight control of the vines’ hydrous tension (system used PEPISTA of L’INRA) which contribute to small yields ensuring wines of intense colour, black fruit and sweet spice aromas making them remarkable and unique.
Maturation in traditional tanks of concrete and epoxy and/or French oak barrels ensures a wine with optimum fruit to be kept and exported worldwide to more than 38 countries.
In 1986 the estate was elected "Best Wine Exporter of the Languedoc-Roussillon."
The Château de la Tuilerie is situated on one of the oldest parts of the Costières appellation, consisting of several metres of stony alluvial deposits, carried by the Rhône river during the Quaternary period over clay marl from the Tertiary period (Pliocene).
The soil is poor, acidic, acting like a filter and consisting of sands and rounded pebbles (quartz, quartzites, flint…) which give a mineral quality, a finesse and elegance to the wines of Château de la Tuilerie.
The clayey subsoil provides the vines with a limited supply of water and minerals which contributes to the low yields; small grape bunches produce very concentrated wines with deep colour and aroma.
The northern exposure helps to maintain a good acidity (refinement and the ability to age well) and a synthesis of the anthocyanes for colour.
To all the above, one must add the expertise of the wine grower which enables her to obtain the greatest potential from her unique terroir.
Interview by Mr Gilles SUBE, Ingénieur DPE chargé de mission Qualité au service viticulture de la Chambre d’Agriculture du Gard.