Domaine de Trévallon is a Provence original—an Alpilles benchmark founded in 1973 by Éloi Dürrbach on the cool, north-facing limestone slopes between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Eygalières. From the start, the estate followed its own compass: organically farmed vines carved into garrigue and scrub, low yields, late picking for flavour (not sugar), native ferments, gentle extractions and calm élevage in older barrels and foudres so oak reads as texture, not taste. The red was planted—deliberately—outside local AOC rules, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah in near-equal measure, which is why Trévallon chose the freer IGP Alpilles designation (formerly VdP des Bouches-du-Rhône). The decision made a style: Cabernet’s graphite, cassis and architectural line dovetailing with Syrah’s violet, olive and spice—perfumed, savoury, and famously age-worthy without heaviness. The white, a small-production counterpoint, blends Marsanne and Roussanne (sometimes with a touch of Chardonnay), favouring stone fruit, fennel/anise and a saline, chalk-lined finish over overt oak. Winemaking remains minimalist—whole clusters used as the year permits, long but gentle macerations, no make-up, and bottling with light handling—so site and season stay front and centre. Labels carry artwork by Éloi’s father, the painter René Dürrbach, underlining the house’s fusion of art and terroir. In the glass, Trévallon reds show lifted aromatics, fine, long-grained tannins and a dry, savoury close; they drink well from 6–8 years and cruise for decades in strong vintages. The white is gastronomic and textural yet brisk, best over 3–7 years. For collectors and sommeliers, “de Trévallon” signals limestone clarity, garrigue perfume and quiet power—a Provence classic that became iconic by refusing to follow a recipe.
