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Domaine Milan, Natural Wines in Provence

Henri Milan

The Milan estate stands apart in the wine world: an UFO (Unidentified Winemaker Origin). For Henri, who first brought the estate to prominence, winemaking is not a matter of technique. It is more a question of naturally supporting what the vines have to offer, using organic and biodynamic methods.

His son Théophile is now carrying on the family tradition, preserving the estate’s distinctive style and character. The result is a range of original, complex wines, each reflecting its own terroir. A harmony whose finesse and texture often bring to mind Burgundy… but in Provence.

A unique terroir of Blue Marls

Geologically, the Henri Milan estate lies at the foot of the Alpilles. It benefits from a slope that fosters a unique and diverse range of terroirs. The climate is exceptional, characterised by a Mediterranean influence tempered by a relative coolness. Blue marl over limestone scree on one side, and gravel mixed with Quaternary marine sand on the other. The magic of this terroir was further confirmed in 1996 by the renowned agro-biologist and soil expert Claude Bourguignon. Indeed, he observed that the blue marl possessed an electrical exchange capacity conducive to the creation of truly great white wines.

Organic Farming & Natural Wines

The cornerstone of the Henri Milan estate is organic farming. No machinery, no processes, and no additives are essential. Next comes the harmony fostered by biodynamic practices, as the moon’s influence on natural rhythms is evident. Finally, through his experience gained in producing sulphur-free wines, Henri Milan has strengthened his conviction that the stability of such a ‘clean’ wine is, to this day, equally self-evident.

Henri Milan and the battle for the essence of wine

Since 2017, Henri Milan has ceased to claim the Baux-de-Provence appellation. He believes that “the INAO has lost the battle for the spirit of the wine“. The estate now produces only table wines (which became ‘Vins de France’ in 2009). This is further proof, if any were needed, of the estate’s unapologetic non-conformism.

A few photos of the Henri Milan estate