For my family, the history of Château du Mas Déu is a source of inspiration, wonder and pride. In the 12th century, Mas Déu - then known as Mansus Déi - was the most important centre for the religious, cultural and administrative affairs of the Knights Templar in Roussillon. At its height, the commanderie possessed 800 hectares from the Fenouillèdes in the north to Banyuls-sur-Mer in the south, and into Spanish Catalonia.

On this land, they cultivated vines, olives, fruits and vegetables, and reared 4,000 animals that bore the seal of Mansus Déi. Our Templar roots find expression in my father's paintings and poetry, some of which appear on our wine bottle labels - like La fille du soleil by Andréu-Jordi Oliver (right).

A most important discovery in the history of wine took place in the cellars of the Mansus Déi commanderie in the 13th century. Arnau de Villanova - doctor to the Kings of Aragon and professor of medicine at Montpellier university - developed the famous technique by which vins doux naturels (naturally sweet wines) are made. It is a source of wonder to us that we practice the same technique in our cellars even today! So exceptional was this discovery that the sweet wines from Château du Mas Déu were later praised by American President Thomas Jefferson.

During the Second World War, the château was used as a depot for muntions. Sadly, on the 17th of August 1944, an explosion caused the destruction of three-quarters of the old property.   Visitors to the château can admire the old chapel, cellars and the north tower, which survived the explosion, surrounded by attractive parkland and the estate's 25 hectares of vines.   Next to the château's ruins are the magnificent 17th and 18th century stone and brick outbuildings - typical of Catalan construction - where Château du Mas Déu wines are made today.

- Claude Oliver