In 1979, Jean-Marie Guffens founded the renowned Mâconnais estate, Domaine Guffens-Heynen, which later expanded to include his negociant company, Verget. By the late 1990s, Guffens and his partner Maine Heynen relocated to the Luberon, acquiring the estate Château des Tourettes. They revitalized the property by replanting vineyards at an altitude of 420 meters, benefiting from a cooler microclimate and abundant limestone.
Today, the estate encompasses 15 hectares of vines, with a variety of both white and red grape types. Due to regulations that exclude Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from AOC Luberon classification, Guffens bottles all his products as Vin de France. His premium wine range is named after his grandfather, Tinus.
The Wines
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Tinus Grand Blanc 2016 Vin de France: Exhibiting beautiful matchstick reduction alongside pear and peach aromas, with a hint of citrus. The palate features lovely weight and texture, making it a stunning wine rated 95/100.
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Tinus Chardonnay Plateau de L’Aigle 2020 Vin de France: This wine is fermented and aged in barrels (25% new) for eight months, followed by ten months in concrete vats. It is linear, focused, and mineral-driven with an impressive depth of spice, pear, and peach fruit, earning a rating of 95/100.
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Tinus Raisins Rotis 2017 Vin de France: Composed of 40% Roussanne, 40% Viognier, and 20% Marsanne, this complex wine reveals layers of pear, peach, apples, and minerals, balanced with richness and stoniness. It’s expressive and rated 94/100.
For availability in the UK, these wines can be purchased through Roberson.