2006 Chateau Paradis Terre des Anges

Chateau Paradis is located between Mount Sainte Victoire and the Luberon, in Provence’s Coteaux d’Aix. The 45-acre estate is owned by Xavier and Odile Thieblin, who purchased the estate in 2011. The estate grows Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Vieux Carignan, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache blanc, Vermentino and Clairette. Chateau Paradis makes red, white and rose wines. Le Guide Hachette des Vins, France’s leading wine journal, awarded Chateau Paradis two stars out of a possible three in the 2014 Guide and selected three of the Chateau’s wines for special mention. Only about 25% of the wines submitted to Le Guide Hachette for review are deemed worthy for mention in each year’s guide.

Provence is the region on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France known for sun-drenched Lavender fields and an easy-going, gracious attitude toward life. Until the last few decades it was also known for producing large quantities of unremarkable rosé, often sold in bulk. Today its most famous wines are still rosés, but their quality has improved dramatically. Notable red wines are also being made in Provence, particularly in Bandol, a tiny appellation east of Marseille. The largest appellation is Côtes de Provence. Other appellations include Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes du Luberon, Cassis, Bellet, Palette and Les Baux de Provence. Red and white wines are made throughout the region, despite the attention paid to rosé. Red wine grapes grown in Provence are Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and some Cabernet Sauvignon. White wine grapes are Clairette, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc.