The history of the estate
IN THE FRISSANT FAMILY FOR 400 YEARS
One might think the estate's name is inspired by Saint-Exupéry. "Go and look at the roses again. You will understand that yours is unique in all the world," said the Little Prince. Or perhaps by the rosebushes that generally adorn vineyards as a preventative measure against disease… However, while Château Coupe-Roses is indeed unique in the world, it takes its name from the terroir, not from the flowerbeds. In fact, theSoils rich in manganese are colored pinkwhich will inspire the owners.
THERose-Cutting CastleIt was originally a spur of the Montagne Noire, a mountain range facing the vineyards. This strategic topography allowed the local population to be supplied with water. Thus, in the Middle Ages, it was necessary to defend this place.Count of Pardailhan, a lord under the Ancien Régime, was the first owner of the Château's vineyards.Pons familyacquires it following the collapse of the monarchy.
Today is theFrissant family, which, for over 400 years, has passed down the vineyard estate as an inheritance. From then onFrançoise Frissanther husbandMathias Paichelerand his children are working to develop the estate.
Soil diversity
To showcase the terroir of Minervois
It is in the village ofLa CaunetteThe estate is located in the Hérault department. The vines stretch across 45 hectares, not far from the Montagne Noire, within the Languedoc appellation. Situated at an altitude of between 250m and 400m, the vineyard benefits from a beautiful diversity of soils and ideal natural drainage. Near Carcassonne, the sun shines intensely on the numerous grape varieties cultivated. Rainfall is low and temperature variations are significant. Three types of terroir make up the estate.Rose-Cutting Castle.
- Clay-limestone soilsThe limestone captures and stores heat, while the clay provides the water reserves necessary for the vine. Being quite shifty during rainfall, the clays complicate the terroir;
- Shale soils: give the grape varieties a great character, because the vine, faced with more difficulty in planting its roots, will be able to soak up the aromas of the terroir;
- Stony Soils: the most variable in its complexity. This soil allows the character of the grapes to evolve.
Therefore, while the soil offers excellent potential for winegrowers, they remain vigilant in their techniques to mitigate any unforeseen challenges. Red and white grape varieties are cultivated:
- Reds: syrah, grenache, carignan;
- White wines: Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Valentino, Clairette.
All these grape varieties and soils then reveal the full potential of theMinervois, with each vintage.
The Rose-Cutting Castle
A FAMILY WINEMAKING
The grapes arehand-harvestedNo special sorting is necessary. After destemming, the berries are placed in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Upon taking over the estate, Françoise Frissant opted for stainless steel, replacing the large oak casks and concrete tanks previously used. Stainless steel is neutral and eliminates any risk of spoilage or off-flavors at the end of maceration and fermentation.
After a month, the wines are placed in oak barrels, demi-muids for the reds, and terracotta jars for the whites. A quarter of the barrels are renewed every year to preserve the quality of the interaction between the wood and the wine. Aging lasts an average of one year.
The wines are blended by the family, as Françoise and Mathias Frissant's son and daughter-in-law are both oenologists.Rose-Cutting Castlecomes in the form of wine:
- Four red wines;
- Three white wines;
- A rosé wine.
Each vintage allows us to unveil the full potential of the terroir ofMinervoisand to elevate it.
