Domaine Kennel
Tucked into the picturesque village of Pierrefeu-du-Var in the western sector of the Côtes de Provence appellation, Domaine Kennel sits between the southern foothills of the Massif des Maures and the limestone plateau of Central Var. The estate enjoys a unique microclimate shaped by Mediterranean influence and cooler inland air, with vineyards planted at around 100 metres altitude – a key factor in preserving freshness and precision in the wines.
The history of the property stretches back nearly a millennium, when it was known as Saint-Pierre les Baux and belonged to the local nobility. Its modern chapter began in 1932 when the Kennel family, originally from Switzerland and with a background in cooperage, took over the abandoned estate. After restoring the buildings and replanting the vineyards, the first wines under the Domaine Kennel label were released in 1954.
Today the estate is run by fourth-generation siblings Julien and Mireille Kennel, who took over in 2005. Since then, they have undertaken a careful replanting programme while preserving the historic vine genetics that define the Domaine’s character. The vineyards were converted to organic farming in 2020 and achieved biodynamic certification in 2023.
The 38-hectare vineyard lies in an alluvial valley between two small streams that eventually flow into the Réal Martin River. The terroir combines red sandy-clay soils typical of Provence’s Permian basin, stony limestone deposits on the plains, and loamy clay on the hillsides. Farming is gentle and thoughtful: cover crops are used, soils are worked lightly, and fertilisation comes from the estate’s own compost. Biodiversity is central to the philosophy here, with vineyards planted among fig trees, oak trees and thriving wildlife that help maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem.
The Wines
Rose
Sourced from 4 hectares of vineyards on the plateau of Pierrefeu-du-Var in the Côtes de Provence appellation, this rosé comes from several plots averaging 45 years of age. The blend is led by Grenache (40%), complemented by Cinsault (20%), Syrah (10%) and Mourvèdre (10%).
Grapes are harvested by hand during the cool night hours to preserve aromatic freshness and avoid oxidation. After gentle direct pressing, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. The wine then rests on fine lees for a short period before being blended and bottled early in the new year to maintain its purity and vibrancy.
The style is classic Provence rosé: lifted and floral on the nose with notes of wild berries, orange peel and delicate herbs. The palate is fresh, precise and elegantly textured, combining brightness, clarity with a subtle saline edge defining the finish.
White
From a 3 hectare plateau of clay and limestone soils in Pierrefeu-du-Var, this white is a 50/50 blend of Vermentino and 60-year-old Sémillon vines. Grapes are harvested by hand at night to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation, then gently pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel.
The wine spends four months ageing on fine lees before being bottled early in the new year to capture the purity of the fruit.
Mediterranean in spirit yet precise in expression, the nose shows subtle reduction with notes of orange blossom, lemon curd and a distinct mineral edge. The palate is balanced and creamy while vibrant, combining tension with texture. A saline backbone and fine lees ageing bring both depth and freshness, resulting in a white that is at once textural, pure and remarkably refined.