Domaine Chapoton

Domaine Chapoton
Côtes du Rhône Villages Rochegude
Route du Moulin
26790 Rochegude
Phone: 04 75 98 22 46

Situated in the Village of Rochegude, the Domaine Chapoton has been in the Chapoton family since 1666. Hailing from Sweden, owners Annika and Serge Remusan greet us graciously, and our conversations lead quickly to future plans of their constantly evolving winery. Completing the transition from grape grower to producer, this winery has already achieved recognition from the French press. Concentrating on growing fine quality grapes since 1985, they are several years into their completion into becoming a winery in their own right.

Annika and Serge Remusan owners of Domaine Chapoton

They take pride in their vineyard, consisting of Grenache, Marsanne, Cinsault, Carignan white, Rousanne, Viogner and other grapes .The oldest vines were planted by their grandfather in 1945, and were grenache. They own exceptional land, situated on a south facing slope at a height of 600 feet. The vines are planted on heat retaining rock and stone soils, and benefit from the Mediterranean climate. Since 1980, 10 hectars of new vines have been planted. Their frustration, and hence their emergence into their own wine producing facility, revolved around their inability to negotiate with local cooperatives, who wanted all or nothing of their crops. In 1995, they started seriously into their own winemaking endeavors. They make 2/3 of their wine by hand. Each year at harvest time, they bring 10 people in from the south of Spain, along with 2 French students, to work alongside 3 full time helpers. Their estate is unforgettable, constantly under construction, and a constant reminder of what will be. You will never forget it if you visit.

Starting with a 1998 Rochegude Côtes Du Rhône Village, we tasted a beautiful ruby red colored wine, with a bouquet of fruits and a mild peppery taste. Lots of nice tannins. This is a very well priced elegant wine, perfect for grilled lamb and wild game. Moving to a 1998 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rochegude Rouge, we tasted a wine that was magnificent in red color, with an elegant bouquet of cherry, wild strawberry, violet flavors, aromatic with smooth tannins. Overall, a great taste. This wine is ready to drink now, but could be kept for several years. It consists of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault Mourvedre.

The estate first started bottling wine through the use of mobile
bottling facilities in 1994. In 1995, and 1996, 16,000 bottles
were produced, increasing to 20,000 in 1997. By 1998, they had bottled 40,000 bottles, and had received a two star selection in the Hachette Guide, and had received awards following the Wine Fair of Orange, France. They are currently looking for exporters to the United States.

Domaine
Rabasse Charavin