Terroir
The terroir of Mille is ideally located between Provence and the Rhône Valley, produces wines that combine character and freshness
Our vineyards sit on a fabulous mix of quaternary limestone scree, urgonian limestone, clay quartz and clayey sandy soils of the eocene period. This variety allows Mille to concentrate the wine varietals to the parcels which suit them best – producing highly aromatic and intensely flavoured grapes, which are then harvested and vinified. The renowned oeno-geologist Georges Truc recently analysed the soil composition of our oldest parcels and pronounced the terroir to be truly exceptional.
The vineyard is largely composed of beautiful old vines – Grenache (70 years old), Syrah (50 years old) and Carignan (60 years old) – complemented by younger Cinsault and just-planted Mourvèdre. Our white wine varietals are equally mature – Clairette and Ugni Blanc (50 years old), complemented by Vermentino planted three years ago.
We are expanding our selection of white wine varietals – Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc and Marsanne (all of which in “sélection massale”) – chosen for their aromatic qualities, affinity to the terroir and ability to withstand climatic change. With these new plantings we aim to rejuvenate the long tradition of outstanding white wines from Château de Mille.
Since 2018, Château de Mille has switched completely to organic practices. 2022 will be our first harvest certified as fully “bio” by Ecocert. We are transitioning to become biodynamic by 2025.
grape varieties
Grenache
prospers on dry stoney soils. It produces a deep garnet-coloured wine with aromas of spices and ripe red fruits. Secondary aromas include black fruit, liquorice, burnt sugar, old wood, coffee and cocoa.
Syrah
an iconic grape from the Rhone Valley and Provence, makes fine, complex, robust and tannic wines, with aromas of spice, black fruit, leather, dark chocolate, liquorice, wood and truffle.
Carignan
typically Mediterranean, produces lighter, fruity wines with herbaceous and mineral notes.
Cinsault
also originates from Provence. It makes pale garnet wines, light in alcohol with aromas of small red and black fruit. It adds freshness in blends.
Mourvèdre
With Spanish origins, Mourvèdre is also an important grape in Provence. It brings structure and complexity to red blends, with flavours of black fruit, musc, tobacco and pepper.
Clairette
is a rich, aromatic wine with both roundness and acidity, with aromas of white peach, apple, grapefruit and white flowers.
Ugni Blanc
is a very old grape coming from Tuscany. With a pale yellow gold colour and great freshness, it has citrus and white fruit aromas.
Vermentino
came from Anatolia through Italy. It is widely planted in Southern France. It makes fresh, elegant wines, with notes of white flowers, pear, apple, pineapple and fresh almonds.
Bourboulenc
an old Provençal grape, brings interesting citrus notes, particularly grapefruit, in blends.
Marsanne
is a northern Rhone Valley grape. It brings a fine, subtle bouquet to blends: acacia blossom, beeswax, honeysuckle, jasmine, peach, fresh almonds and hazelnuts.
Grenache blanc
of Spanish origin, will add warmth, length and volume to our white blends. It presents aromas of narcissus, fennel, melon and white peach.
