The origins of Fosse-Sèche Castle
Medieval vineyard
The Fosse-Sèche Castledating back to the Middle Ages. Indeed, Benedictine monks were the first to plant vines on the property, some 800 years ago. The vineyard thus remained Church property for many centuries. Traces of the Middle Ages can still be found on the property today; the oldest stone vats in France bear witness to this era. In the 16th century, a castle wall, a communal oven, a chapel, and a dovecote were also built. It was much later, in 1905, that the winemaker Paul Taveau attempted a new winemaking experiment there. From this came the famous...Cabernet d'AnjouMr. Taveau thus obtained two Grand Prix diplomas at the Universal Exhibitions of Liège in 1905 and Brussels in 1910.
In 1966, Guillaume Pire left the family vineyard in Madagascar. Accompanied by his mother Françoise and his stepfather Ueli, he traveled throughout France in search of a new property to settle on. He fell in love with theFosse-Sèche CastleThe family was immediately captivated. Guillaume's twin brother, Adrien, joined them in 2010. From May 2012, the two brothers took over the vineyard together. Guillaume, a passionate environmentalist, decided to manage the winemaking and marketing of Fosse-Sèche wines. Adrien, for his part, handles the vineyard work, administration, and accounting. Today, supported by their partners, they care for Château de Fosse-Sèche and live on the property. They leverage their complementary skills, always within a family atmosphere. These wine and nature enthusiasts thus draw the very best from their fabulous terroir.
A vineyard with great biodiversity
A refuge for many species
AtFosse-Sèche CastleRespect for wildlife and plants is a priority. Certified organic by the organizationECOCERTthe domain is converted intobiodynamicsSince 2013, these methods have revitalized and fertilized the soil. The vines are more resistant, and the grapes are naturally balanced. This organic and biodynamic farming has allowed numerous species to find refuge. From insects and birds to other animals, a true ecosystem has developed on the property. Committed to protecting the environment and its species, the property is classifiedLPO(League for the Protection of Birds). The vineyard also houses the beehives of Hélène Berteau, a beekeeper. Finally, in the heart of the estate, there is a pond further enhancing the vineyard's biodiversity.
An unusual wine cellar
Purity and precision
The cellar ofDry PitIn addition to the classic barrels, the cellar boasts an impressive row of more unusual vats. Ovoid in shape, they draw inspiration from Antiquity and its giant terracotta amphorae. These served as wine cisterns but also for storing oil and grain. Today, they are made of clay and also contain hydraulic lime and clayey sands. This combination of materials forms a porous natural concrete, allowing for micro-oxygenation of the wines. Unlike barrels, this concrete prevents the wines from oaking, thus preserving the fruit's character. Furthermore, it is completely resistant to thermal shock. Also known as "eggs," they are built by the Nomblot company in Ecuisses, Saône-et-Loire. The cellar ofFosse-Sèche CastleThere are eleven of these amphorae in total. Each one weighs three tons empty and has a total capacity of 16 hectolitres.
These tanks impart more fruity aromas to the wines, prevent oxidation, and thus limit the presence of sulfur. In short, they allow for minimal intervention. Thanks to this technique, Château Fosse-Sèche takes the purity and precision of its wines even further.
