In the 13th century, France's King Louis IX joined the Crusades. He was defeated in Egypt and imprisoned in Cairo. He was released after being held for about four years until his ransom was fully paid. Queen Margaret of Provence actively negotiated and made political efforts for the king's release. Queen Margaret managed the kingdom's domestic affairs and was politically active while the king was absent. That is why she is regarded as a strong and wise woman.
Queen Margaret was born and raised in Provence, as she was the daughter of the region's count, Ramon Berenguer. Near La Londe-les-Maures in Provence, there is a natural spring named after her. Known as Saint Margaret, the spring symbolizes vitality among local residents. The winery "Sainte Marguerite en Provence" right next to the spring also takes its name from the queen and the spring. It is a name that blends the purity that comes from a source of water with the nobility the queen symbolizes.
Sainte Marguerite en Provence was founded in 1929 by André Chevillon. It started as a small vineyard, but earned renown when it was designated one of the Provence Cru Classé in 1955. Only 18 vineyards currently hold this classification. After founder Chevillon passed away, the winery was affiliated with a French foundation for a time, but it reached a new turning point when the Fayard family acquired it in 1977.
Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard visited the area during a summer vacation and were so captivated by its beauty that they acquired the estate. The vineyard, which was only 7 hectares at the time, has now expanded to 200 hectares. Among the Fayard couple's children, Olivier and Enzo oversee winemaking, Ségolène handles management and legal affairs, and Lionel is in charge of bottle and label design. With the family's diverse expertise combined, Château Sainte Marguerite has expanded the global reputation of Provence rosé wine over two generations.
More than half of the vineyard meets the Mediterranean coastline, and the alkaline air from the sea prevents vine diseases and balances moisture. Mild winters, low rainfall, and abundant sunshine make it ideal for growing grapes. The soils are a mix of schist, sandstone, and clay, providing excellent drainage. This environment produces grapes with both firm structure and delicate acidity.
Château Sainte Marguerite's flagship lineup is "Fantastique." Among them, Fantastique rosé is made by blending Grenache, Cinsault, and Vermentino. Grenache contributes citrusy, intense aromas and a delicate texture, while Vermentino adds the freshness of pear, lemon, and grapefruit.
The winery is 100% organic and vegan certified. It does not use any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The harvested grapes undergo cold maceration with the skins before pressing. Fermentation then proceeds under temperature control, and only the best fermentation lots are selected. The wine is aged on fine lees in stainless steel tanks and goes through fining and filtration before bottling.
In the glass, a pearly pink color shimmers with golden highlights. Aromas of white peach, pear, lychee, passion fruit, and grapefruit intertwine, while citrus, rose, and a subtle jasmine note emerge freshly on the palate. The finish is long and fragrant.
This wine pairs excellently with poultry dishes with mushrooms, grilled red meats, Asian dishes with ginger and pepper, and premium seafood such as lobster or shellfish. It won the top prize in the rosé wine category at the 2025 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards. The importer is Pernod Ricard Korea.