The new Petrus has arrived
Antoine Petrus, who spent a large part of his career in Paris, has recently stepped out of the ranks, migrated south and humbly embarked on new missions that link the land to the table.
Leaving Aix-en-Provence, take the départementale 14 to the hamlet of Couteron. The vegetation thickens, the pine forest takes shape, the road becomes winding and sometimes, at the end of a bend, offers a view of Mont Sainte-Victoire. A final bend. On the left is Château La Coste, a winery, art and architecture center,gastronomy and hotel business, owned by the discreet Patrick McKillen, nicknamed "Paddy", and his sister Mara.
As you enter the estate, the first vines to be certified organic since 2013 greet you before unveiling a masterly work of art. This is just one of 40 works of art scattered across the vineyard slopes and integrated into various areas of the estate. An open-air contemporary art center that can be discovered by following the Art and Architecture trail. On the right, the winery built in 2008 by architect Jean Nouvel fades into the background, giving way to a typical Provencal village with its bastide house, shady squares, boutiques, bars and restaurants. on the terrace of the Auberge La Coste, Antoine Petrus waits, a glass of Grand Vin Rosé 2023 at the ready, attentive to the actions of the wait staff:" Service, I have it in me, it's visceral, I can't help but watch how everyone behaves, staff and customer alike. "
Royal Palace
" I came here to make wine. "A logical extension for this spokesman for the vineyards, currently sommelier for Le Petit Ballon (online wines by subscription), whose career and awards, at 40 years of age, leave one breathless.for experience, Paul Bocuse in Lyon, El Bulli in Spain, Le Crillon, Lasserre, Le Clarence, Taillevent in Paris, Maisons et Terroirs de Provence in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Sometimes sommelier, restaurant manager, consultant or general manager, when he's not writing for the press and publishing houses.
