Château Pesquié enjoys a particularly favorable microclimate. The southern slopes of Mont Ventoux are blessed with outstanding
levels of sunshine (an annual average of 8 hours of sunshine per day with up to 12 hours per day in July). This dry climate
reinforced by the Mistral, the frequent north wind, is ideal for the cultivation of healthy vines. Despite the abundant sunshine,
the terroir also enjoys a relatively cool climate. Its proximity to the Mont Ventoux mitigates the extremes of the Mediterranean climate.
The average height above sea level of 300 metres means that temperatures are often two or three degrees cooler than on the Comtat Venaissin
plain, only 15 km away.
During the summer nights, the cool air descends from the peak of Ventoux and creates significant variations in temperature compared to the heat of the day (the hot air rises towards the summit). This “heat gradient” helps to create excellent physiological balance in the vines and adds colour, natural acidity and tannins.
The Château Pesquié vineyards are located on clay-and-limestone gravel slopes. The Côtes du Ventoux region features an extraordinary geological diversity. The vines are mainly planted in soil from the Quaternary period reinforced by the mineral wealth of the Cretaceous period. The soil consists of ancient gravel and scree.
From its summit at 1912 m, Mont Ventoux thoroughly deserves the nickname: the “Giant of Provence”. It is known for its magnificent scenery and acts as a link between the irrigated Provence of the Comtat plains and the tougher, more arid Provence of the high plateaux where Jean Giono lived. It is also the last foothill in the Alps. The Tour de France has made it a legendary cycling route.
Due to its outstanding biodiversity, Mont Ventoux was listed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 1990. The aim of the reserve is to combine the protection o
f natural resources and ecosystems with the development of human activities. Two great regions live side by side here: the Mediterranean world and the Alpine world.
