Domaines Ott was founded in 1912 by Alsatian engineer, Marcel Ott who dreamed of establishing a great wine estate near the Mediterranean. Today, the wineries are owned and managed by Champagne Louis Roederer and produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines. These wines are made at three distinctively different estates in the Bandol and Côtes de Provence appellations: Château Romassan, Clos Mireille and Château de Selle. Clos Mireille was acquired by the Ott family in 1935. It is an ancient terrain distinguished for its mix of shale and clay soils and the estate’s broad seafront location. The microclimate and sea spray provide highly favourable conditions for both Rosé and white wines. Clos Mireille has a total of 420 acres with 116 planted to vineyards. The 18th-century country house and palm trees provide an unforgettable setting for this highly esteemed property. Château Romassan was acquired by the Ott family in 1956 and lies at the foot of the village of Le Castellet, in the heart of the Bandol appellation. This region is known for its terraced landscapes built from the hard stone, with vines planted into vast terraces with varying exposures. The poor fertility of the soil is offset by the large amount of stone content in this region. Château Romassan is 148 acres which are fully devoted to wine production. Château de Selle, the 18th-century home of the Counts of Provence, is located in the Côtes de Provence appellation perched on chalky hills enjoying generous amounts of sunshine. The arid soil is comprised of 40-50% stone, and despite the presence of highly fertile quantities of clay, produces small and concentrated yields. The winery is located on 345 acres of which 160 acres are cultivated. Each year additional acres are prepared for planting, a process in which the earth is mechanically tilled and the stone is crushed to maintain the correct balance in the soil.
