In 2017, Pierre Gattaz bought the Château de Sannesin the Luberon. Without abandoning Radiall, he simultaneously embarked on the winemaking adventure with his family, his wife and his children, in order to give himself a long-term entrepreneurial perspective and to share the taste for French excellence. In 2024, the transplant has taken place, the wines of Château de Sannes compete with the greatest on the tables of starred restaurants, such as Guy Savoy, and two of his children participate in this success.
From his training as an engineer, Pierre Gattaz retains the spirit of method and therefore does not improvise as a winemaker. Oenology lessons and a passionate reading of the geographer Jean-Robert Pitte, inexhaustible on the French vineyard, inspire the former president of Medef: “ Unlike the industry, to make good wine, the process is not enough. Alchemy operates over a long period of time, taking into account an infinite number of parameters.. » Failing to unravel all the mysteries of wine, Pierre Gattaz chose to make some at the Château de Sannes.
The Pays d’Aigues
Put down roots in a vineyard, but where? Before opting for the Luberon, Pierre Gattaz studied the different options, notably Bordeaux and Burgundy. The Luberon wins by the heart and the reason: Provence, its olfactory imprint and its flavors, recalls holidays, magnifies the Mediterranean art of living, while being accessible by train.
As for the Château de Sannes, the property has arguments to put forward: “Far away from maritime influences, the 70 hectares of Château de Sannes, 35 of which are planted with vines, benefit from an ideal climate with a moderate altitude of 350 meters on average, which favors temperature variations. Furthermore, we are in Pays d'Aigues so we do not lack water. » All these advantages, its new owner assures us, make it possible to deal with the problems of scalding and, more broadly, the lack of water caused by global warming.
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Since purchasing the property, members of the Gattaz family have visited regularly to monitor the development of the wines, manage investments and take part in the day-to-day operations. “ It is above all a family project. Of course, we have surrounded ourselves with oenologists, but we taste and make together the wines that we love » insists Pierre Gattaz. If taking on the father's adventure may have seemed intimidating for the younger generation, circumstances precipitated its adoption. During confinement, Sannes Castle represented a beneficial rear base for city dwellers. That was all it took to get used to the country and join the project. From now on, Manon, for the promotion and events part, and Thibault, for the trade, have taken an active part in the company.
The rebirth of Sannes Castle
At the time of its acquisition, Château de Sannes no longer produced wine in its own name. The vineyard is old, the oldest plots were planted in 1927, but the wine is no longer vinified at the château. The old cellar was even destroyed. So to restore the image, a new winery was built and a new range was created, without betraying the past. On the contrary, she refers to it. “1603” for the entry level recalls the founding of the property, “Castini” and “Aciana”, by their etymology, that the Celts undoubtedly trod these lands more than 4,000 years ago, as evidenced by a tumulus located to the north of the domain.
-It is Thierry Rimbaud, whom everyone calls Arthur, head of culture at the property for 36 years, who best evokes this metamorphosis: “ I will retire with a feeling of accomplishment. While we had stopped, we are making wine again at the Château de Sannes, we have switched to organic farming and the vineyard will endure. »
Making the Luberon shine
When asked if the Château de Sannes is intended to become a standard bearer for the AOC Luberon, Pierre Gattaz, humbly corrects: “ With other winegrowers, we share a collective identity that we must promote with the appellation. It is in this spirit that I take advantage of my network. » Since 2023, in July, the “Wines & Passions in Luberon” festival has been held at the Château de Sannes. The event brings together winegrowers from the appellation, gastronomic producers from the Luberon and experts in the castle park around tastings, activities and workshops. For the third edition, see you on July 27, 2025!
Jean-Robert Pitte has consistently documented it: wine is the product of a history and a geography. By respecting these two dimensions, the challenge of lasting seems within the reach of the Gattaz family.
Terre de Vins likes
1603 Blanc 2022
A blend of Rolle, Ugni Blanc and Grenache Blanc, this wine attests to the work carried out to achieve the right balance. Between mineral attack and citrus aromas, it retains all the freshness necessary for summer accords. Invigorating, it will awaken the taste buds as an aperitif and with seafood. €13.50 incl. VAT.
Castini rouge 2022
This is the first vintage of this vintage. Castini red, a blend of a majority of Syrah (80%) and Grenache, is a gourmet wine. The roundness of the tannins is obtained by aging partly in clay jars – whose porosity encourages slight oxidation – and partly in oak barrels. On the nose, grilled pepper dominates, with a hint of pepper. On the palate, the velvety tannins accompany a suave sensation of black cherry enhanced by a minty finish. Reserve for a beautiful rack of lamb… with Provence herbs, of course! €38 including tax.
