To drink the Château Malherbe Blanc 2022 is to stand upon the rust-hued cliffs of Cap Bénat, where the Mediterranean sun meets the cooling breath of the sea. This is not merely a white wine from Provence; it is a “Grand Vin” of profound depth—a liquid translation of red clay, silver schists, and the meticulous biodynamic stewardship that defines the estate.
Born from a harmonious union of Rolle (Vermentino) and Sémillon, this vintage balances the opulence of the sun with the restraint of the stone. Aged with patience on its fine lees within the embrace of large oak foudres and concrete eggs, it offers a texture that is at once caressing and crystalline.
The wine opens with an ethereal, complex bouquet that speaks of a wild, sun-drenched garden. Delicate notes of wild chamomile and white flowers drift above a ripe, gilded core of white peach, juicy melon, and sun-warmed apricot. As it breathes, a sophisticated whisper of precious wood and zest of mandarin reveals itself, adding a layer of aristocratic intrigue.
On the palate, the wine performs a masterful act of tension and balance. It is ample and unctuous, owing its creamy weight to the Sémillon and extended lees aging. Yet, this richness is immediately illuminated by the Rolle’s vibrant energy and a piercing, saline minerality drawn from the schist soils. The finish is long and resonant, trailing off with a precise note of preserved lemon and fresh sea spray.
This is a wine of stature, designed for the table and for moments of contemplation. It possesses the structure to age gracefully, allowing its minerality to deepen over time.
Exceptional with lobster. The wine has enough body (thanks to the Sémillon) to stand up to the intensity of lobster. Another great pairing is with a grilled turbot. The “silver schist” salinity complements the delicate fish. An aged Comté is always a perfect match. Hard, nutty Alpine cheeses require a white wine with substance. The nutty oxidation of the cheese highlights the apricot and almond nuances in the wine.
The Château and its History
Château Malherbe is situated in Bormes-les-Mimosas, right on the Mediterranean coast at the foothills of Cap Bénat. This is a stunning, prestigious location in Provence.
The property’s history is ancient; for centuries, the land of Malherbe was the farm that supplied the nearby Fort de Brégançon (the official retreat of the President of France). Agriculture, including viticulture, has been practiced on these lands for over 2,000 years, evidenced by a Roman-origin well on the property.
The estate is owned and run by the Ferrari family, who have been cultivating the land here for four generations. The property was acquired by Louis Ferrari in 1940. It was his granddaughter, Mireille Ferrari, and her husband, Serge, who transformed it into a dedicated, high-quality wine estate in the 1960s, pioneering the bottling and sale of their wines directly at the property. The estate is currently managed by Sébastien Ferrari (the 4th generation), who is committed to perpetuating the family’s meticulous, quality-driven approach. The 5th generation is also becoming actively involved.
The Ferrari family has a long-standing commitment to natural farming. They have been farming organically in practice since the 1940s, meaning they have never used herbicides or synthetic phytosanitary products on their vineyards. This commitment was formalized with the transition to certified Biodynamic agriculture, achieving Demeter certification in 2021. This holistic approach treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem and uses specific preparations and practices guided by lunar and cosmic rhythms.
The philosophy of Château Malherbe can be summed up as a deep respect for the land and history, coupled with a constant, quality-driven effort to produce Grands Vins that are true expressions of their exceptional, maritime-influenced terroir.