Winemaker Notes
Chateau Coupe Roses has been in the Le Calvez family since 1614. Situated on the high plateau around the historic village of Minerve - long considered one of the best sites in Minervois – the estate is managed by Francoise Le Calvez and her husband, oenologist Pascal Fissant. They farm their 16 acres according to the ecological principles of lutte raisonnee, or reasoned fight, a practical approach that dictates the use of synthetic sprays only when clearly necessary. It is a fight that Pascal, schooled in the benefits of organic ground covers and blessed with an arid climate, rarely loses.
All their vineyards are hand-harvested. New vineyards have been purchased and replanted to better varieties, while their older vineyards stay in good health thanks to the couple’s organic approach. In the cellar, minimal (or no) racking and extensive lees contact are standard for special cuvees.
Recognized for its concentrated and sultry reds made predominantly of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, this western Languedoc appellation is also famous for the charming and delicate fortified Vin Doux Naturel called Muscat de St. Jean de Minervois. The dry rosé and white wines of Minervois are also worth seeking out.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”