Château Paquette, 'Roches Noires', 2023, Côtes de Provence Fréjus (AOP)

'One-Liner'
Volcanic Provence in a glass – dark berries, pepper and wild herbs wrapped in silky tannins and a smoky, savoury finish.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass, with expressive aromas of blackcurrant, sour cherry and raspberry joined by cracked pepper, liquorice and subtle smoky oak. The palate is generous yet fresh, with ripe black and red fruit carried by smooth, elegant tannins. Notes of garrigue, pine and spice bring a distinctly Provençal character, while extended barrel ageing adds gentle vanilla and toasted complexity without overwhelming the fruit. There is a lovely savoury, mineral quality underneath, reflecting the unusual volcanic soils of Fréjus. Long and polished on the finish, with dark fruit, herbs and spice lingering behind.

Country: France
Region: Provence
Sub-Region: Côtes de Provence Fréjus AOP
Grape(s): 80% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre 
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: Organic

Awards & Critics' Scores
Challenge Millésime Bio 2026 – Silver Medal, 84/100

The Story
Roches Noires takes its name quite literally from one of the most unusual patches of terroir in Provence. Most of the Estérel massif is formed from vivid red rhyolite, but in a handful of places black volcanic dolerite breaks through instead, and it is into these ancient lava-derived soils that the vines for this cuvée sink their roots. Château Paquette’s 25-hectare family estate lies between the Mediterranean and the Estérel, where sea and mountain breezes help moderate the Provençal heat. For the 2023, Syrah and Mourvèdre are harvested at full maturity, macerated for three to four weeks and then matured for two years in 600-litre barrels. The Paquette family have owned the property since 1952, while the entire vineyard has been farmed organically since 2014.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Classic rustic duck parmentier
- Vegetarian: Roast aubergine with spiced tomatoes and whipped feta
- Vegan: Lentil and walnut stuffed onions with rosemary and red wine gravy