Winemaker Notes
Chateau Galoupet is a "lieu-dit", a French term for a named place or vineyard with a specific topological identity. It is marked on a map dating back to the mid-1700s and has roots in the very origin of Provence, in Crystalline Provence - the oldest geological formation in the appellation.A wine with great finesse, it is a blend of 36 individual plots' wines from unique terroirs, revealing the richest natural aromatic palette of Provence. A perfect balance of freshness and fruit which expresses the aromatic generosity of the surrounding nature. Characterized by its wild bushes full of arbutus, the untamed salinity of the sea and the powerful surrounding winds: Château Galoupet is the perfect expression and concentration of the land.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Cotes de Provence is an extensive but valuable appellation that includes vineyards bordering the main Provencal appellations. Its sites vary from subalpine hills, which receive the cooling effects of the mountains to the north, to the coastal St-Tropez, a region mainly influenced by the warm Mediterranean sunshine.
Here the focus is on quality rosé, as it defines four fifths of the region’s wines. Following in the rosé footsteps, a lot of new effort is going into the region’s red production as well. A new generation has turned its focus on high quality Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan. Cotes de Provence white wines, which represent a miniscule part of the region as far as volume, are nonetheless worthy of consideration and can include any combination of Clairette, Semillon, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino.