Our Maison
Our Nature
AN ODE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
Birthplace of Provençal rosé, the Mediterranean is the ultimate maritime climate where Château Galoupet’s sustainable vineyard is sheltered from extremes by the hillside, islands and the Mediterranean Sea. Due to its latitude, proximity to the sea and these natural barriers, the area is protected from the cold of winter and the heat of summer. Thus, the vines can thrive in optimal conditions for maturation and flavor expression. The unique profile of Château Galoupet wines is the culmination of natural factors such as terroir and microclimate and human mastery in environmentally friendly winemaking.
A MICROCLIMATE
The inviting aura of the South of France permeates the air at Château Galoupet. Shaped by the Provençal winds, the Estate enjoys a distinctive microclimate conducive to healthy vines. The Mistral blows in from the North and the sea breeze from the South, which level in the vineyard. These tempered winds lend themselves to the organic winemaking process of French rosé wine as they serve as a natural ventilation system that helps purify the soils, prevent disease and carries with it the aromas of the Mediterranean.
THREE MICRO-TERROIRS
The oldest geological formation in the region, Crystalline Provence describes the unique stretch of mountainous land that borders the French Riviera between Toulon and Cannes. Within this extraordinary terroir one finds not limestone but layers of metamorphic rock giving rise to soils that each impart unique characteristics on the wine grapes that grow on our sustainable vineyards. We have identified three distinct soil types at Château Galoupet at different stages of fusion and decomposition: quartzphyllite, shale sandstone and collovium (gravel). Each grape variety used in our rosés can thus flourish in its ideal terroir type. Once we understood the features of our soils, we began caring for each micro-terroir differently, taking into consideration its orientation, exposure and position in relation to the mountains and sea to craft our eco-friendly wine.
THE ROOTS OF OUR VINEYARD
At Château Galoupet, we have gone back to the roots of our terroir, respecting nature in every step of our of organic winemaking process. In our sustainable vineyard, we combine organic viticulture, agro-ecology and sensible, responsible farming practices to regenerate the ecosystem and foster indigenous life. Our work begins with the soils, with cover cropping and agro-forestry. After significant research, we have created specific seed blends to optimize soil and vine health to create the finest sustainable wine. We have been planting 27 native trees and shrubs to create green corridors and new habitats for local fauna. By re-establishing the interaction between the woodland and the vineyards, we promote biodiversity and cultivate healthy vines. We are reviving all the resources on the Estate, including an old reservoir on the mountainside and our eco-friendly winery. Building on the solid foundation of this natural treasure’s past, we are returning Château Galoupet to its finest natural state to carry it into the future.
OUR GRAPE VARIETIES
Château Galoupet rosé wine is a delicate blend of up to 7 different grape varieties, all of which thrive within the balanced environment of our sustainable vineyards. The wine grapes which grow here are Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Rolle, Sémillon, Syrah and Tibouren - a rare regional varietal we have almost singlehandedly revived. Each has its own specific needs in terms of terroir, microclimate and viticulture. From planting to cover cropping and pruning, to craft our Côtes de Provence rosé at Château Galoupet, we tailor our plot-by-lot approach to suit the vine and the micro-terroir, sowing different seed blends at different levels between the rows, among other carefully thought-out measures. By respecting the natural balance of the vine in its environment, we are able to nurture fruit of the highest quality and thereby craft exceptional and more respectful wine.
THE REVIVAL OF A RARE GRAPE VARIETY: THE TIBOUREN
Some of the oldest vines at Château Galoupet are Tibouren - a pale, thin-skinned black grape variety ideal for rosé. It was first introduced to Provence by the Romans, but now only 450 hectares remain in the region, which represents only 2% of the vineyard area. As precious as it is demanding, this grape variety requires attentive care and gentle handling. Highly sensitive but extremely expressive, Tibouren is continuing to be planted at Château Galoupet, reviving this natural treasure from the past.
THE BIRDS AND THE BEES
Chateau Galoupet is a sanctuary for flora and fauna, including indigenous wildlife. We actively seek to protect the animals who call our Estate home and have partnered with the CEN (Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels/Conservatory of Natural Spaces) and the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux/Bird Protection League) to catalog every species living here. By so doing, we are able to provide nesting boxes and optimal conditions for a healthy life amidst our sustainable vineyards. We also have an ongoing collaboration with the OFA (Observatoire Français d'Apidologie/French Observatory for Bees) to build a palace for the bees. Château Galoupet has welcomed a bee fertilization station. By consciously and deliberately safeguarding our flying, fluttering, crawling, buzzing or scurrying neighbors with the help of local organizations, we hope to ensure a positive impact on the land and the life it supports while creating sustainable wine.
