A typical 19th Century, Provencal farmhouse of great charm, “La Bastide Neuve”, tastefully modernised to become a comfortable home and a welcoming haven to guests, situated amidst unspoilt, stunning scenery.

WHERE ?
This singular domain, nestles at the foot of the range of the “Massif des Maures”, with its vineyards and proud parasol pines surrounding the revitalised Domaine de La Bastide Neuve, near the ancient town of Cannet des Maures.

WHO ?
The history of the “Bastide” goes back in time, but its modern day rebirth is the work a passionate, visceral love affair between the delightful owners, Hugo and Nicole Wiestner, who were bowled over by the luminosity, and the savage beauty of Provence. Emotion was followed rapidly by deed and the Swiss-French couple became the owners in 1988. Hugo Wiestner is a financier by profession, but has adopted Provence, together with Nicole, his vivacious Parisian wife. It is now home to the family. The Wiestners have two daughters, Julie, 26 and Sarah 21.

WHY ?
Initially, acquiring an enchanting abode, but very rapidly this project was revised due to a pressing desire to produce great Côtes de Provence wine. Jérôme Paquette, who was trained as an œnologist in Bordeaux, was given the responsibility of this transformation and a friendship was born.

HOW ?
By deciding to make the finest possible wines, using the most up to date knowledge and the best available equipment, allied to enthusiasm and passion together with intelligence and audacity.

WHO ?
Jérôme Paquette, the integral lynch pin in the success of the Wiestners projects, has been at the “Bastide” since before their arrival. He fulfils the role of constant advisor and consultant.
The efficient wine estate management is in the excellent hands of Richard Pale. This duo forms a close knit team with Hugo Wiestner.

WHERE ?
Two distinct vineyards exist. One of 17 hectares surrounding the “Bastide”, and another, comprising of 10 hectares, situated nearby, Les Muraires, acquired in 2001. This second vineyard, Les Muraires is a particularly beautiful site and the Wiestner decided to reinstate it to its former glory by restructuring the vineyards.
A titanic project, involving the recreation of the traditional “restanques”, Provencal word for narrow terraces, mounting in steps up the slopes, each one with its own carefully constructed supporting stone wall. The existing vines were lovingly tended and some further planting took place.
The challenge (a four year marathon rather!) was worth it because the “terroir” is unique and eminently suitable for great wine. The richness and warmth of the soil are reflected in the depth of the wine, whilst the freshness one perceives is thanks to the higher altitude enhancing the fruit acidity. A more complex wine results.

WHAT ?
Around the “Bastide”, Grenache, Tibouren, Mouvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon, are rooted in mainly sandstone soil from the Hercyien period-eroded Crystalline rock of the Massif des Maures. Les Muraires is blessed with deep, calcareous clay and planted with Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah.
A few old vines of Carignan add a delicate touch. Fine quality Red and Rosé have been produced, since 2002. One hectare is planted with Rolle, which has produced superb White wine, since 2005.

HOW ?
The soil exposition of Les Muraires is totally different and makes a radically different style of wine. Minimum intervention is the golden rule. Only organic fertiliser (natural compost), no chemical, no weed killers. Partial grassing.
Density of 5,000 rootstocks per hectare and 6,000 in Les Muraires. Around the “Bastide” the average age of the vines is 25 years, with the oldest parcels of Syrah planted in 1962. At Les Muraires the average age is 29 years, with some parcels of Cinsault and Grenache dating back to 1958/59.

 

WHO ?
The same enthusiastic team is in charge of the cellars as well.

WHERE ?
The well equipped vinification installations are in close proximity to the “Bastide”.

HOW ?
The team members are classicists at heart, even if there is a touch of modernisation in their make up. Manual harvesting into 20 Kg boxes. Scrupulous selection and care ensure the perfect condition, at optimum maturity, of the grapes.
The philosophy is “minimum intervention oenology and respect for the grape!” Severe cold settling is followed by pre-fermentation stabilisation. Gentle, meticulously supervised extraction and fermentation at moderate temperatures.

Partially selected yeasts with stirring on the lees for the White and Rosé wines. Delicate usage of the pneumatic press. 1997 is an important turning point with the glorious return, once again thanks to the advice of Jérôme Paquette, of the traditional Provence “Boute”, a 600 litres oak barrel, widely in used during the 18th Century. The team quickly found the 225litres Bordeaux barrels were not suitable for their wine.

 Over a few years, experimentation proved the merit of the “Boute”. The conclusion was that with the riper and richer tannins, their wines needed less oak and oxygen during its maturation. The “Boute” is ideal, offering a less important surface area between wine and wood. The resulting wine is rounder and more balanced and the oak tones more harmonious. The “Boute” was reborn ! Today only “Boutes” are used.

PROJECT ?
Passionately and enthusiastically venturing down new avenues to enhance the excellence of their wines. Hugo and Nicole Wiestner will continue to invest themselves whole heartedly in the future of their beloved Domaine De La Bastide.
As Hugo Wiestner put it so well, “Man is born free; I hate being regulated to death. This is the life for a man who wishes to be himself !”

 

 

MARKET SITUATION
At present, no commercial contact or presence in either the United States or the United Kingdom and the property would be delighted to hear from anybody interested in importing and distributing their wines in either of these two countries.
Fabien Guillomain is in command of marketing and brilliantly sells the wines of the property.

Contacts :
bastidenature@bastide.fr. Nature and real food lovers look at www.bastideneuve.fr for its events and receptive facilities & propositions, it is phenomenal !

TOP OF THE PAGE