The vineyards and Château of this domain can be seen decorating the densely wooded hillsides to the east of Aix en Provence, overlooking the motorway. These are some of the oldest vineyards we have seen, and even the experts are unsure of the variety of some of the old vines, which were planted as a mix of varieties. The oldest vines were planted in 1891, and René Rougier, who runs the domain with his family, and who has worked the vineyards since 1952, has never replaced a vine during all his time on the domain. The Simone vineyards are unusual in every respect. They are farmed on north-facing limestone rubble on the side of the Arc Valley with a large range of grape varieties featured. Palette is a tiny appellation in Provence of only 23 hectares 17 of which belong to Chateau Simone and the rest is made up of pine forests. Simone is therefore the only vineyard in the appellation.