February 2023: the first and second batches of Merino d'Arles berets (2021 and 2022) have sold out in a very short time and feedback on these berets was extremely positive. A limited edition, these berets were meant to not return.
However, the manufacturer managed to secure more of this illustrious natural wool and has made one more [small] batch exclusively for South Pacific Berets under the new Orthez label.
Sizes range from 10p (28cm diameter) to 12p/Alpin (33.6cm diameter). There is only a limited number available and it is unknown if these berets will ever return.
I dare say, these berets are the very best in quality, comfort and craftsmanship one can possibly find!
The Merinos d’Arles produce a light fleece of only 2 kg of
very fine wool in the range between 20/21 micron with a length of 5/7cm.
The particularity of the Merino d’Arles fibre is its
curliness; no other wool has so many bows per centimeter. This allows very
light products due to its bulkiness and lightweight.
Whereas most Merino sheep are bred with a focus on pure white
fleece, the original colour of the wool are shades between milk-white to light
brown and grey.
The old Roman city of Arles in the South of France is the
centre of French Merino sheep. It was in 1806 that the “Imperial and Royal
Bergerie d’Arles” was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. In Arles the Spanish Merino sheep was crossed with a local sheep
breed, the “Mouton Camarguaise”, with the Merinos d’Arles as a result. This was a small,
tough animal, sturdy to cope with the hard living conditions on the plain as
well as in the mountains, with the finest wool, ideal and well adapted for the
dry and hot climate of the vast plains of the ancient delta of Rhone and
Durance River.
