Walking the Monk’s Path: The Terroir-Driven Elegance of Maison Gassier

With newly earned Cru status and a bold new bottle design, Maison Gassier’s Le Pas du Moine – 350 Rosé captures the spirit, heritage, and elegance of Provence’s Sainte-Victoire terroir.

The Sainte-Victoire Mountain rises above Maison Gassier.

At the foot of Provence’s iconic Sainte-Victoire mountain lies a path once walked by monks.

After decades of hard work, the vineyards that sit in its shadow along the trail have received prestigious status. Situated in the newly recognized Cru of the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire — the very first of its kind — is the Maison Gassier estate, where nearly 100 vineyard acres are cultivated at over 1,100 feet (350 meters) of elevation.

The Cru status wasn’t awarded overnight. It stands as a testament to decades of nurturing and embracing the uniqueness of the clay-limestone soils, mountain shelter and cool summer nights that ensure the vines experience a slow and even ripening process.

“After decades of work, the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire designation is becoming the first Cru of the Côtes de Provence appellation,” Maison Gassier President Olivier Souvelain said. “It is a true recognition of the quality and distinct character of the wines produced in the Sainte-Victoire vineyard.”

Maison Gassier President Olivier Souvelain.

As Maison Gassier transitions to a stunning hexagonal bottle — its classic appearance as stylish as an Art Deco skyscraper — it crafts a rosé, the Gassier Le Pas du Moine – 350, Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire, 2024 ($34.99), that pays homage to the history and terroir of its origins.

“The 2024 vintage truly reflects our terroir,” Souvelain said. “Despite the challenges of an April frost, the vines flourished, producing grapes of exceptional quality thanks to the richness of our soils and the season’s natural rhythm — a cool spring followed by a luminous summer.”

A stunningly crisp, refreshing and flavorful wine from organic Sainte-Victoire vineyards is the result.