Meet Olivier Forni: The 5th Generation Winemaker at Château du Grand Jas

At the helm of Château du Grand Jas for over 20 years, Olivier Forni is a true enthusiast of winemaking. Originally from Provence, Olivier joined the family estate (located 30 km from Saint-Tropez) immediately after completing his studies at the agricultural high school in Hyères. Today, Olivier values the human-scale aspect of his work and is currently teaching his young son Thomas the intricacies of winemaking. Olivier Pellegrino, an agricultural worker, helps him daily in tending to the vineyards.

Rosé Wines: “Not Too Strong, Not Too Sweet”

Château du Grand Jas spans 80 hectares, with 15 hectares dedicated to vines. Predominantly consisting of clay-limestone soil, the terroir of Château du Grand Jas thrives in the Côtes-de-Provence appellation. This ideal terroir allows for the production of balanced and fresh wines. These criteria are crucial for Olivier, who believes that a great wine starts with balance on the palate, freshness, and minimal bitterness on the finish.

Contrary to popular belief, rosé is an extremely challenging wine to make. Extracting fresh fruit aromas while ensuring minimal color and bitterness in the tannins is crucial. We ensure our rosés are neither too strong in alcohol nor too sweet. We harvest at night and early in the morning, once the grapes have reached the desired maturity.

“Rosé By Olivier”: A Pursuit of Harmony

Harmony is the driving force behind Olivier, both in his wines and the image of his estate. Keen to preserve the traditional spirit of Château du Grand Jas—an estate over a century old—Olivier is also infusing it with a touch of modernity through his brand, “Rosé by Olivier.”

“Before being a winemaker, I am a consumer. I want to make wines that I enjoy and that will please those who taste them. Beyond the marketing aspect, this brand was also a way for me to show that there is a winemaker behind every bottle.”

Although Château du Grand Jas is strongly associated with rosé, it also offers white wine, such as the “Virginity” cuvée—a dry white with a balance between fruity mouthfeel and citrus aromas. Olivier is also active in oenotourism, offering a guest room at the estate. You can also discover Château du Grand Jas in the Provence wine route guide.