The Domaine du Gros Pata is situated on the commune of Vaison
la Romaine.
Our vineyard is entirely implanted on high fertile slopes, far from pollution.
A perfect exposition allows a complete maturation of the grapes under the burning caress of the Provençal sun. With a minimum of treatment this gives a taste of terroir, pure, supple, fruity, well asserted and perfumed like a wild bouquet to our wines.
The respected and maintained familial tradition enables that the vinification and then
the ageing in oak barrels bring out and conserve our noble grape varieties:
“Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Clairette and Bourboulenc”
Stop at the Domain , you will taste our Côtes du Rhône
vintage, our white wine and our fruity rosé, as well as a light and nice table
wine.
Whoever drinks a gros Pata
Always will come back
Keep our wines, bottles down, in a temperate place.
An old wine must be uncorked at least two hours before serving.
The Pata was a Provençal money in copper coins. It carried a cross on one side and the keys of Saint –Peter of Sautoir on the other.
On the wall of the house a wooden panel said “Octroi de
Vaison” (City Toll of Vaison). Formerly people had to pay Patas to go from one
commune to an other.
Come and enjoy the sun of Provence in our guest-rooms at the
domain
Abuse of alcohol is dangerous for health. Drink with
moderation
Bottled by the owner at the domain
The “Gros Pata” is the location, the hill on which
slope the domain stretches out modestly
Where comes this name from? The
house being the last of the commune, fixed on the wall a wooden panel said
“OCTROI de VAISON” (City toll of Vaison). Formerly people had to pay “Patas”,
i.e. Provençal money, to go to Villedieu, the limitrophe commune
The “Gros Pata” is the history of an entire family over four generations.
The great-grandfather of Aglaé, born Boulard, founded the
Domain. At the beginning of the century silkworms and sheep breeding supported
the family, then the vines, asparagus and fruit trees occupied the land bought
little by little by each generation.
Why a private cellar? They had
to invest, to vinify, to age wine, to bottle, to sell and to ship, not to
mention the administrative paperwork and the fiscal inquisition the winegrowers
are badly prepared for, as they are suddenly classed as company managers
Do they earn their living better?
Nothing is less certain. The Garagnon will tell you jokingly
that their cellar led them to wine tourism. Indeed they run from fair to
expedition to the four corners of France. Often they go to Paris. That is the
way they became initiated to Parisian life and some night shows by their
numerous acting friends, who make them forget the days of hard labour on the
domain.
The father and son have won their bet: Sabine is taking over with her “youth and charm” and her diplomas of Viti-Oenology. She has already an active part in the business, participating notably in the computerized management. She already won some medals and enjoys setting out to wine fairs with granny Aglaé. The customers are satisfied and come back regularly.
Sabine Garagnon