The Dowells

Provence, France

Provence is located in the southeast of France and is famous for producing rosé wine, with 80% of the wine produced being rosé. The warm, dry Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing grapes such as Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault.

Many rosés are characterized by their minerality and fresh acidity, and have a light and refreshing taste. They can be paired with a wide range of dishes, and are especially compatible with Japanese food.

The Dowell family domain and vineyards

The Dowell family's domaine is located in the village of Prieres, on the southern hills at the foot of Mont Sainte-Victoire, which Cézanne painted many times in his works, in the southern part of Provence, France. The vineyards are located in a position overlooking a beautiful view of the white rocks of the mountain, which contrast with the blue sky.

This area has been famous as a wine producing region since before the Common Era, and Greek Venus statues, wine jars, and even stone tools dating back 17,000 years have been excavated from the Dowell family's grounds, which have also become motifs on their wine labels.

The grounds also contain a spring that has been flowing continuously for over 2,000 years since Roman times.

Organic history: Since the dawn of history

The Dowell family's fields have been completely organic since the dawn of history, and their history as farmers dates back to the French Revolution in 1789. Alain, the current head of the family, took over the business from his grandfather in 1990. At that time, he realized that what his grandfather had been practicing without even thinking about it was indeed organic farming. Since then, they have continued to do what his grandfather did when it comes to cultivation, and have added ECOCERT certification as proof of organicity.

Although he continues to use his grandfather's methods, he spares no effort in investing in improving quality. He has updated his winery (insulation made from natural materials such as hemp, a double-layered cellar entrance to prevent cold air from escaping, solar panels, rainwater utilization, etc.), and introduced machinery that allows him to select only the highest quality grapes, firmly adhering to traditions that should be preserved while also adopting the latest technology, making him a true organic enthusiast.

• White grapes: Vermentino, Clairette
• Black grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Cinsault, Mourvedre

Field soil

Located at the foot of Mount Sainte-Victoire, 330 meters above sea level, the soil is mainly limestone and clay. This soil is particularly rich in minerals, giving the wine freshness and complexity. The limestone allows for good drainage, and the grapes are under moderate stress, resulting in flavorful and well-balanced wines. The surrounding climate is also dry, which is ideal for bringing out the acidity and fruitiness of the wine.

Characteristics of cultivation methods, etc.

• The harvest is entirely done mechanically, allowing for flexible adjustments to the grapes' condition. Another advantage of machines is that they can accurately pick only grapes that are ripe to the desired degree.
• Since 2004, the harvest has been carried out before dawn when it is not too hot, which is good for the quality of the fruit.
• When replanting grape vines, they are pulled out and then other crops such as wheat are planted, and the field is left to rest for 3-4 years before new grapes are planted. The wheat is not for eating either, so it is cut down while still green and ploughed in to provide nutrients to the soil.
• Because the climate is extremely dry, weeds take up moisture, so proper weed management is very important.

Characteristics of brewing method

• They installed a machine that can separate small and light grapes that are not suitable for brewing, and brew only with high-quality grapes.
• Because it is a hot region, temperature control is thorough (even waking up in the middle of the night to check). In 2009, we introduced tanks that can automatically adjust the temperature.

From the producers to everyone in Japan

I want to make delicate and elegant wines. With the desire to make even better wines every year, I have spared no effort in researching and investing in winemaking, and have established more satisfactory facilities.

The rosé wines we produce are very delicate and I believe they go perfectly with seafood-based Japanese cuisine. I would love for many people to experience this amazing pairing of rosé wines with Japanese food.