Clos L.

Lamalgue wines through the centuries ... Louis XIV's privileged wine The first Provençal vines were planted by the Greeks, about 600 bc. Then the Romans established large estates, developing production and trade by promoting the development of wines. In the Middle Ages, their reputation transcended borders, and as early as the 17th century, La Malgue wine was one of the most popular wines in France. The stamp of the vignettes In the past, the sailors of the Royals arriving from the sea, could embrace with the eyes of the multitude of plots scattered around the harbour of Toulon. Each offered its appaly, Clos Marguerite, Clos Petit Bois, Clos Lamalgue... The origin of La Malgue probably comes from the Provençal "Lou Margo" , the Marge. It refers to this strip of land stretching along the Toulon coastline called the Rade des Vignettes. An island of resistance From the end of the 19th century, the production of Tibourin wine and the old wine of Sainte Marguerite linked the fate of the Domaine du Clos Lamalgue to that of the vineyard. Located between the Mediterranean and Mount Faron, this hill surrounded by the city of Toulon insolely spreads its three hectares bathed in sunshine, proudly resisting the real estate pressure. It owes its survival to the stubbornness of the Monges family, which acquired it in 1930. The tradition has been carried on with the same enthusiasm for three generations; the fourth is already following in the footsteps of the grandfather. In love with the land, Jean Claude Monges has given the estate a new lease of life and is marketing his first vintage in 1992, keeping this islet of greenery in the heart of the city. Today, his two sons René and Philippe have taken over the torch.