Château Mourgues du Grès
For several years, the estate has followed the principles of biodynamics to promote living soils and encourage deep rooting of the vines, ensuring balanced and resilient vineyards. Certified organic, Château Mourgues du Grès limits the use of sulfur during vinification to preserve aromatic purity. This holistic approach, both in vineyard management and visitor experience (with a marked trail through the vines), reflects a strong commitment to respecting nature and the terroir. The result is an authentic wine, imbued with its historical heritage and distinguished by the unique red pebbles of the Costières de Nîmes.
History
In the 16th century, the estate was already an agricultural settlement managed by the Ursulines of Beaucaire, nuns commonly known as “Mourgues” in Provençal. The name “Mourgues du Grès” thus pays tribute to these sisters while also referring to the rounded pebbles, known as “grès,” that shape the vineyards of the Costières de Nîmes.
At the heart of the estate’s courtyard, the Latin motto on the sundial, *SINE SOLE NIHIL* (nothing without the sun), perfectly illustrates the predominance of the Mediterranean climate, which allows for optimal ripeness and gives the wines their naturally generous character.
Since 1990, François Collard has taken over the family estate, drawn by the potential of this terroir and the growing reputation of the Costières de Nîmes appellation. Seeking to highlight the purity of the fruit, he prioritizes precision in the vineyard and innovation in the cellar. His wife, Anne, later joined him on this journey, bringing her expertise as an urban planner and geographer, along with a deep appreciation for nature and the landscape—an influence reflected in the marked trail that winds through vineyards and orchards.
The Vineyard
Located in Beaucaire, the estate spans 30 hectares of rolled pebbles, commonly known as “Galets Gress,” some of which take on a distinctive reddish hue characteristic of the Costières de Nîmes. The vines, planted at a density of approximately 4,000 vines per hectare, have an average age of 15 years. The grape varieties consist mainly of Syrah (67%), Grenache Noir (23%), and Marselan (7%), complemented by Mourvèdre and Carignan. This varietal diversity, combined with rich, well-drained soils, contributes to the balance and complexity of the wines. The estate produces approximately 90,000 bottles per year.
Winemaking & Aging
The harvest is carried out by machine, and the grape clusters are then carefully destemmed before vinification in tanks without sulfur. This gentle, respectful approach preserves the fruit’s natural aromas. Aging lasts between 12 and 15 months in concrete tanks, enhancing the pure expression of the terroir and ensuring a beautiful balance between freshness and structure.
Wine Character
The cuvées from Château Mourgues du Grès stand out for their aromatic intensity, combining ripe black fruits with spicy notes, often enhanced by a subtle touch of garrigue, characteristic of the region. On the palate, the blend, predominantly Syrah and Grenache, brings roundness, generosity, and silky tannins. Aging in concrete tanks highlights the freshness of the fruit and the minerality of the soil, resulting in wines that are flavorful, well-balanced, and beautifully persistent.
