The estate was purchased in the 1930s by Jean and Nelly Aubert, great-grand-parents of Julie Aubert, who currently owns and runs the château with her husband Nicolas Richarme (hence 1930 Cuvée Nelly and 1930 Cuvée Jean). Jean and Nelly were restaurant owners from Lyon, and in buying Château de Bastet they hoped to get back to their roots. The first records of this estate date from the 17th century, and it was originally a silkworm farm before being planted with orchards. This was a true passion project for the new owners, a passion which has been passed down from generation to generation.
At the heart of Château de Bastet is a 62-hectare vineyard with Côtes du Rhône AOP status. The vines are surrounded by 43 hectares of natural, uncultivated land planted with a variety of local flora. This precious ecological balance has been fine-tuned through the ages: the vines in a single, unbroken plot at the centre, with nature given free rein over the rest of the estate. A harmony which is reflected in the character and flavours of the wines of Château de Bastet.
The oldest sections of Château de Bastet were built in 1684! Three centuries later, this original structure now houses the barrel cellar. The grand manor house, the emblematic Château as we know it, was completed in 1864. It is surrounded by 18th-century farm buildings. The past is never far away at Château de Bastet, with the weight of tradition serving as a reference point as we seek to produce wines which are resolutely forward-looking while remaining true to their roots.
The wines of Château de Bastet are the best possible argument in favour of acknowledging the importance of tradition. Nature is treated with the respect she deserves, as the winemakers apply the principles of biodynamic agriculture. The wines are therefore fully organic, with Ecocert accreditation. The 1930 collection, comprising Cuvée Nelly and Cuvée Jean, is named in honour of the great-grand-parents of current owner Julie Aubert. Since 1997, the 4 Elements range, (Air, Water, Earth and Fire) has been the standard-bearer for the château’s biodynamic philosophy. Château de Bastet is certainly not in thrall to nostalgia: here a healthy deference to tradition and an unstinting respect for the land are the keys to producing wines which are unmistakeably modern.