Miraval
Summary
Château Miraval is a 1,200-acre organic estate in Correns, Provence, where Brad Pitt and the Perrin family produce primarily rosé wines from Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Rolle grown in clay-limestone soils at elevations of 350-1,200 feet. The estate combines traditional Provençal winemaking with innovative techniques like concrete egg fermentation, rapidly establishing itself as a benchmark producer since the partnership began in 2012.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Miraval's modern wine history began in 2012 when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who had purchased the 1,200-acre estate in 2008, partnered with the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel to revitalize the property's winemaking potential. Located in Correns, the first all-organic village in France, the estate itself has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. Following the couple's separation, Brad Pitt maintained ownership of the property and continues to work closely with the Perrin family, with Marc Perrin serving as the lead winemaker and technical director. The Perrin family, with their extensive experience in Rhône Valley winemaking, brings multi-generational expertise to the project while Pitt contributes to the creative direction and business development. This partnership marked a significant turning point for the estate, which had previously been known as a recording studio where Pink Floyd, Sting, and other musicians recorded albums in the 1970s and 1980s.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Miraval encompasses approximately 1,200 acres in total, with roughly 100 acres dedicated to vineyards planted across the estate's valley floor and terraced hillsides. The vineyards sit at elevations between 350 and 1,200 feet above sea level in the Correns commune of Provence's Var department. The property benefits from a Mediterranean climate with significant diurnal temperature variations, particularly due to the cooling influence of the Mistral winds. The soils consist primarily of clay and limestone, with sections of sandier composition in certain parcels. The vineyard is planted predominantly with traditional Provençal varieties: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Rolle (Vermentino). The flagship Miraval Rosé blends these varieties, while the white wines focus on Rolle. The estate's terroir is particularly suited to rosé production, with the clay-limestone soils imparting mineral characteristics and the elevation providing freshness to the wines. All vineyards have been certified organic since 2012, continuing the organic practices established in Correns.
Philosophy & Practice
Miraval's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention while employing precise technical approaches to craft fresh, elegant wines that express their Provençal terroir. The Perrin family oversees all aspects of production, employing both traditional and innovative techniques. For the rosé wines, grapes undergo careful sorting followed by direct pressing for most varieties, with a portion of Cinsault vinified using the saignée method. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with approximately 5% of the juice fermented in oak barrels to add complexity. A distinctive element of Miraval's approach is the use of concrete eggs for fermentation and aging of portions of their white wines, which promotes natural micro-oxygenation while preserving freshness. The estate maintains certified organic practices throughout the vineyard, employing cover crops between rows to enhance soil health and biodiversity. Harvest is conducted in the early morning hours to preserve freshness and aromatic qualities in the grapes. This combination of traditional Provençal winemaking knowledge from the Perrins with modern precision techniques has established Miraval as a producer of consistently high-quality wines that reflect their specific Mediterranean terroir.