In the mid-20th century, French textile artist Jacqueline de la Baume Dürrbach was commissioned by Nelson Rockefeller to create a tapestry of Picasso's Guernica. She and her husband, René, a sculptor and painter who had close ties to the founders of the Cubist movement, used the proceeds from the tapestry to purchase Domaine de Trévallon, an estate nestled at the foot of the jagged Alpilles mountain range in Provence.
Eloi Dürrbach, their son, has been pivotal in raising the quality and prestige of wines in Les Baux de Provence. Since 1973, he has carefully planted vines across three valleys, relying on the teachings of 19th-century viticulturalist Dr. Guyot, who claimed that much of their land once showcased Cabernet Sauvignon. The Dürrbachs made a deliberate choice to balance their red grape plantings equally between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which thrive in the estate's chalky soils. This 50/50 blend perfectly combines the Mediterranean's wild essence with the structure of cooler climates.
In 1993, AOC legislation imposed a maximum of 20% Cabernet in vineyards. When the governing body threatened to revoke their appellation status, the Dürrbachs refused to comply and settled for the lesser Vin de Pays du Bouches-du-Rhône designation. Their defiance, rooted in both innovation and respect for tradition, has solidified their status as a beloved cult classic. The establishment of the Alpilles IGP in 2009 further recognized their unique terroir.
In addition, the Dürrbachs have been organic farming pioneers. They use deep plowing to encourage root growth and practice short pruning to enhance vine longevity. Their minimalist cellar approach employs native yeasts, and red wines undergo 100% whole-cluster fermentation, aging for two years in a mix of foudres (95%) and barrels (5%).
René Dürrbach designed a series of 50 striking posters as labels for the estate before his passing in 2000, each selected annually to represent the vintage's character. The warm 2003 label features bright yellows, oranges, and deep reds, whereas cooler vintages exhibit tones of blue and purple.