Domaine Des Hautes Collines De La Côte D'Azur

A Rich History of Winemaking

Two thousand years ago, the Romans established an oppidum on this hill, marking the start of vine and olive cultivation in the region. Located at the base of the Baous de Saint Jeannet, this picturesque area benefits from protection against northern winds and enjoys abundant southern sunlight, allowing its hillsides to produce high-quality grapes. The remnants of a Roman-era wine press serve as a reminder of this long-standing tradition, which inspired the name of one of our vintages.

A Legacy of Quality Wines

In more recent times, the older residents of Nice fondly remember the exceptional clusters of late Saint Jeannet grapes that my father would deliver to the renowned seaside hotels during the Christmas season. Once the grapes were sold, they were transformed into juice for the initial uval stations. In 1948, my father began his winemaking journey, guided by friends from Bordeaux. He introduced grape varieties such as Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and even Gamay to enhance the freshness of his wines.

Commitment to Excellence

In 1986, George Rasse took over from my father and has spent the last three decades blending grape varieties to create wines that are increasingly refined and representative of the terroir. The tradition of sun aging has been maintained, allowing for a unique exploration of oxidation in the wines. Through 20 years of dedicated research, George has transformed this once-abandoned method into a systematic approach. This expertise allows for fine-tuning vintages based on taste and intuition, resulting in distinctive aromas of spices and nuts. The rosé features a terracotta hue, while the reds develop an amber tone, enriched with flavors of mature wines like candied morello cherries, kirsch, and prunes, all while retaining the remarkable freshness characteristic of youthful wines.