4_DiscoverBenelux_Issue17_May_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 28/04/2015 13:09 Page 19
Massa is passionate about the natural world, so we have ponds and olive groves and gardens, not just endless vines here.” He continues: “Adapting to organic winemaking has also brought the taste of the wines nearer now to the traditional styles of the area, with the negligible use of sulphites for example, allowing the fruity flavours of our reds to come through better; and the way the vines are tended is in part a return to the methods of several generations ago. The wines are refined in style, with very marked varietal characteristics.”
A warm and civilised welcome Above the cellars and their huge oak barrels stands the Château, its pink-tiled roof emblematic of the region, the honeyedstone walls as warm as a June day here. It belongs to the country. Accordingly the whole domaine feels at ease and welcoming, characteristics not arrived at accidentally, but certainly enjoyed by the wedding parties and business gatherings hosted now at the Château.
“Everything has been built using the right materials, the best materials, old stone, weathered beams, terracotta tiles that fit the region and the terroir, just like our wines,” says Buissé. “We decided to incorporate into the plans created with our architects the idea that the space could be used for receptions and meetings, so we can for example accommodate up to 450 people for a meal in the covered space that is at other times the covered manège. Additionally there’s a room that takes 200 people, ideal for weddings, with fine French gardens in front. We work with about ten traiteurs so couples marrying have a choice of top quality suppliers in tune with the area and with whom we’ve built up good working relationships.”
“Along with the meeting there will usually be a meal catered by one of the traiteurs we recommend, so it’s a social thing, not just business,” says Buissé. “Very often there’ll be a wine tasting arranged as part of the day too. you can see people who’ve been in tough talks visibly relax with a glass or two of our wines. For some reason it’s a particularly popular part of the experience!” www.chateau-fontdubroc.com
Location, location, location With St Tropez and Saint-Maxime a half an-hour drive away and beautiful historic villages far closer, the Château’s location helps in attracting business meetings, but the prospect of sampling some Font du Broc wine may also exert a little influence:
Issue 17 | May 2015 | 19