THE DOMAINE DE LA CROIX, A DESTINATION BETWEEN SEA AND VINEYARD TO ENJOY IN ALL SEASONS…
When the crickets stop singing and the beaches empty, the Saint-Tropez Peninsula regains its calm and authenticity, free of glitter and traffic jams.
Thanks to exceptional sunshine and a mild climate, this paradise is a dream destination off-season.
In the famous city of Var, you can stroll along the quays of its port and through its narrow streets without crowds. You’ll discover the Place des Lices, its market, its bistros and its boulistes. Finally, you’ll arrive at the famous and splendid citadel, dating from the 17th century.
Coming to Provence out of season is also an opportunity to discover the Domaine de La Croix in a whole new light: it reveals its hillsides with exceptional panoramic views over the Mediterranean, the diverse landscapes of its vineyards to be explored on lovely walks, its unusual cellar and its wines bred to create beautiful pairings with the seasons…
Winter
Pruning the vine
Vineyard: with nature asleep and the vines having lost their leaves, the vineyard landscape seems frozen and silent. But the winegrowers are busy: it’s pruning time. And in the cellars, it’s the start of blending and the first bottlings.
Gastronomy: this is the season for veloutés, root vegetables and other simmered dishes. The red wines from Domaine de La Croix, with their depth and complexity, are perfect for winter dishes. The full-bodied whites go well with the creamy cheeses of raclettes and fondues.
For the festive season, white wines are ideal with delicate dishes such as fish, shellfish and fine cheeses. “Bastide Blanche reds will enhance royal dishes such as turkey with chestnuts, capon stuffed with truffles, roast doe… As for rosés, they will create a lovely pairing with a red fruit log or hard cheeses accompanied by morello cherry jelly…
Spring
Resumption of the plant cycle
Vineyard side: winter is finally coming to an end, giving way to brighter days and the first moments of spring signal nature’s awakening. The vines are in full bloom. Then it’s time for ploughing, disbudding and trellising.
Gastronomy: the arrival of new vegetables. Culinary delights include lamb navarins and vegetable jardinières. Light, slightly full-bodied wines are also in vogue.
Summer
The flowering of the vine
Vineyard: it’s the season of exuberance. No holidays for the winegrowers! Working the soil, mowing weeds, trimming and thinning out the leaves follow one another tirelessly.
To celebrate summer, Domaine de La Croix is organising concerts and other festive events! These will give you the chance to explore the sublime gardens, the wine storehouse and the various reception areas, and enjoy a tasting of fine food and wine.
Gastronomy: summer doesn’t necessarily mean rosé.
- Red wines are also popular, provided they are not too tannic. “Irrésistible” Red, fruity and spicy, is best served chilled, or even slightly chilled (10°C). When to drink it? As an aperitif or to accompany beef tartare, roast poultry, or a fine tomato or red fruit tart.
- Served chilled (between 8 and 12°C), “Éloge” White is chiselled, fresh and mineral, perfect with grilled sardines, line-caught sea bass, squid fricassee, small octopus a la plancha, creamed white meat…
- The more gastronomic “Bastide Blanche” Blanc is best served with fine fish: carpaccio of sea bream, seared clams, scallops… Treat yourself!
Autumn
The end of the 4 seasons of wine
Vineyard: with the arrival of autumn, the vineyards take on their most beautiful hues and are decked out in flamboyant colours. Then comes the long-awaited harvest and vinification. Each cuvée develops at its own pace, according to its own alchemy.
At this time of year, the estate organises its Harvest Day, a day of meetings, exchanges and passion. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn a little more about the vine, its cultivation and the winemaker’s work throughout the year. Gourmet breaks and wine tasting are also on the programme.
Gastronomy: in the kitchen, meat goes from barbecues to cast-iron casseroles.
- “Éloge” Red, with its elegant tannins, goes well with pigeon roasted with porcini mushrooms, roast wild boar or beef stew.
- “Bastide Blanche” White – elegant and mineral – will be perfect with fish and leek fondue.
- As for ‘Irrésistible’ Rosé – a gourmet wine with citrus notes – it is the perfect accompaniment to duck with orange sauce…
