Audibert family's vineyard legacy

The Audibert family has managed Château Calavon in Lambesc for about 120 years, expanding their vineyard holdings across three distinct wine-producing regions: Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Crozes-Hermitage. Their history at the estate begins in 1907 when Édouard Audibert transformed a 17th-century post station into a winery, making it the oldest in the area.

Modernization under Michel Audibert

Michel Audibert took over the estate in 1998 and modernized operations, rehabilitating traditional grape varieties such as carignan, caladoc, and counoise. He expanded the estate by acquiring two additional vineyards: Jas des Papes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Domaine du Pavillon in Crozes-Hermitage, focusing primarily on red wine production with rosé making up only 35 to 40% of output during the 2000s.

Wine production and terroir

Château de Calavon is known for its use of cabernet sauvignon and syrah in its red wines, with cabernet sauvignon often making up to 50% of the blend. This combination provides depth and structure, while syrah adds fruit and spice. The wines are paired with local dishes like game and rabbit stew. The region's climate and geography contribute to the balance of the wines, and the Réserve cuvée has become a historical symbol of the estate.

Experimental approaches in winemaking

Guillaume Peu, who took over the estate three years ago, supports a more experimental approach. With cellar master Arnold Mas, the team is exploring co-fermentation of syrah with grenache on select parcels, a technique tested in recent vintages. Experimental cuvées like Astéros and Aposta reflect a creative focus, allowing younger cellar teams to innovate with new blends and methods.

Expansion and commercial strategy

The estate aims to grow its distributor network and increase bottled wine sales, while maintaining its historical red wine expertise. White wine production has risen to 10 to 12%, with a focus on quality since 2020. Rosé production has also grown significantly, now representing two-thirds of total volumes. The commercial strategy now targets international markets, with a third of sales coming from the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.

Environmental and agricultural practices

Château de Calavon is committed to environmental sustainability, with 78 hectares of vines in a 100-hectare area classified under Natura 2000. The estate has been certified organic since 2013, and its properties are moving toward biodynamic practices. Olive trees have also been planted to produce olive oil under the Aix-en-Provence appellation, with production reaching about 5,000 bottles annually.

New leadership and future vision

The estate is now managed by Anne, the wife of the late Michel Audibert, and their three children, who do not participate in daily operations. The family is emphasizing terroir-based winemaking, with each property expressing its unique character. The estate also offers public tours and events, opening up its long-held discretion to new forms of engagement with visitors and the local community.