Domaine d’Ourea
After studying wine and some work experience in Burgundy and California, Adrien took over his Grandfather Raymond Bertrand in 2009. The first year he moved to organic viticulture, certified in 2012 and since 2020 he is applying Biodynamic principles. Agriculture is a work of patience, and it took him 10 years to get nature back on track with healthy living soils. The move towards biodynamic viticulture is the continuity of his philosophy.
The Domaine covers 20ha, all the work is done manually by a close-knit team surrounding Adrien. One thing is for sure, he doesn’t count the hours spent in his vines! When I visited him in February 2022, it was 5.30pm on a Friday evening and he was coming back from the dentelles on his tractor to welcome us. His wines capture his natural cheerfulness and with a very strong Provencal accent to top it off.
What strikes me the most is the freshness and respect for the grapes and terroir. Wines that not only express the place they are from but are changing your expectations of southern Rhone reds!
In Greek mythology Gaia, mother of earth gave birth to several children, among them Ourea, Goddess of the mountains. A nod to the highest plot of the estate that is found high up in the Dentelles de Montmirail.
The Wines
A vibrant Great Southern white wine with aromas of delicate flowers and juicy white fruits, complemented by subtle notes of oak and roasted hazelnut, and almonds. The palate is fresh and lively, with a balanced texture that makes it perfect for pairing with seafood, poultry, or creamy cheeses.
The nose is intensely aromatic, bursting with notes of orange blossom, lychee, ripe apricot, and candied citrus peel, layered with honeysuckle and a touch of exotic spice. On the palate, it is sweet yet balanced, with vibrant acidity and a clean, juicy profile. Flavors of white peach, mandarin, and fresh grape linger on a silky finish, framed by floral lift and stony freshness.
Perfect served chilled as an apéritif or alongside fruit-based desserts, blue cheese, or foie gras. A fresh, modern expression of Muscat that avoids heaviness while preserving all the variety’s natural charm.
The nose is vivid and expressive, with aromas of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and wild herbs (garrigue), alongside cracked pepper, lavender, and a hint of crushed stone. On the palate, it is full yet vibrant, with polished tannins and a core of juicy red and black fruit. The finish is long and layered, revealing notes of liquorice, olive, and stony minerality. A Vacqueyras of purity and restraint.
The nose is vivid and expressive, with aromas of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and wild herbs (garrigue), alongside cracked pepper, lavender, and a hint of crushed stone. On the palate, it is full yet vibrant, with polished tannins and a core of juicy red and black fruit. The finish is long and layered, revealing notes of liquorice, olive, and stony minerality. A Vacqueyras of purity and restraint.
Coming from one of the highest-altitude vineyards in the appellation, offering a fresher, more lifted style of Gigondas while retaining its natural power.
Crafted by Adrien Roustan with minimal intervention and deep respect for terroir, this cuvée is a standout example of purity and tension in a traditionally bold appellation.
The nose is complex and perfumed, showing aromas of ripe black cherry, wild herbs (garrigue), lavender, and blood orange, layered over subtle notes of crushed stone and white pepper. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and structured, with refined tannins, juicy acidity, and a core of dark red fruit and spice. There's an energy to the wine—buoyant and aromatic—finishing long with lingering notes of dried thyme and mineral grip.