La Ferme du Pasteur

Located in the southern Rhône Valley, specifically in the village of Séguret, La Ferme du Pasteur is the domain of Frédéric et Marine Pastre. The name is a clever play on their surname ("Pastre" means shepherd in Provençal), grounding the estate in local heritage. While the family has a long history in agriculture, the shift toward a dedicated natural wine project has turned them into one of the most exciting names in the Vaucluse.

The Philosophy: Respect for the Provençal Landscape

The Pastre family treats their vineyard as a diverse farm rather than a factory. Their approach is defined by a commitment to the "Southern" identity while fighting against the heaviness often associated with the region:

• Organic & Regenerative: The estate is farmed with deep respect for the soil, using organic methods to ensure the health of their old vines.

• Search for Freshness: In a region known for high heat and alcohol, Frédéric focuses on early harvesting and gentle extraction to maintain high acidity and "drinkability."

• Pure Expression: No oenological additives are used. Fermentations are natural, and the wines are bottled with minimal to no sulfur to preserve the vibrance of the fruit.

Technical Profile

Terroir and Vineyard Management The estate is situated in Séguret, one of the most picturesque villages of the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellation. The vines are planted on high-altitude slopes (some of the highest in the area), which provides essential diurnal temperature shifts. The soil is a complex mix of limestone scree and clay-marl. This "cool" terroir in a hot region is the secret behind the elegance of their wines. Many of the parcels consist of old vines, which naturally regulate yields and provide concentrated, balanced juice.

Varietals and Vinification The vineyard features a classic Southern Rhône lineup: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan for the reds; Viognier and Marsanne for the whites. In the cellar, Frédéric favors concrete tanks and old barrels for aging, avoiding any new oak that might mask the fruit. He often uses whole-cluster fermentation for his reds to add a herbal, spicy lift and fine-grained tannins. The wines are generally labeled as Côtes-du-Rhône or Séguret Côtes-du-Rhône Villages.

Notable Cuvées

• Lou Pas d’Escu: A flagship red blend (predominantly Grenache) that balances the warmth of the Rhône with a surprising mineral silkiness.

• L'Ubac: Sourced from North-facing slopes (the ubac), this cuvée is celebrated for its tension, dark fruit, and peppery finish.

• L’Aube: A fresh, aromatic white blend that showcases the floral potential of Viognier without the oily heaviness often found in the region.

• P'tit Pasteur: The estate's "glou-glou" entry-level red—crunchy, bright, and intended for immediate enjoyment.

Contact Information

• Location: 84110 Séguret, Vaucluse, France

• Phone: +33 (0)4 90 46 83 97

• Social Media: Instagram @fermedupasteur

• Trade Inquiries: They are increasingly visible at natural wine salons such as Millésime Bio and specialized Rhône Valley tastings.