Location and surface area of the Minuty vineyard
Located on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, Chateau Minuty’s vineyard enjoys an exceptional location on the hillsides of the villages of Gassin and Ramatuelle.
The estate watches over a 160-hectare vineyard which is divided into 3 parts. While a 60-hectare single-plot vineyard surrounds Chateau Minuty, 80 hectares are located in Vidauban and 20 hectares on the slopes of Valderian in Ramatuelle, above the Bay of Pampelonne.
What is the story behind Minuty?
From the Napoleonic era to its revival in the 1930s
Originally built under Napoleon III’s reign, the estate was acquired by Gabriel Farnet in 1936 who set about restoring it to its former glory and splendor. To do so, he replanted the entire estate, which led Minuty to be named, along with 23 other estates, as a Cru classe des Cotes de Provence in 1955.
A reorganised vineyard in the 1960s
During the 1960s, an ambitious plan to reorganize the vineyard was undertaken by a visionary and passionate couple, Monique (daughter of Gabriel Farnet) and her husband Etienne Matton, President of the Crus Classes de Provence.
The planting of local grape varieties, such as Tibouren, Rolle or Grenache, was followed by a voluntary reduction in yields, in order to favor quality, both in the management of the vineyard and during the vinification process.
This rigorous work and the pursuit of excellence have greatly contributed to the reputation of Chteau Minuty, which graces the finest tables in the French Riviera with its presence.
The constant growth of a family-owned estate in the heart of Provence
Since the 1990s, Jean-Etienne and François Matton, the third generation of winegrowers, have taken over the running of this estate. They also contributed to the elevation of Minuty’s reputation, recognized as a reference among fine Provence rose wines in France and in more than 100 countries.
In 2012, new renovation work was carried out, enabling the estate to be equipped with modern and efficient infrastructures, including the creation of a second barrel cellar. In an ultra-modern and elegant space - designed by the architect Francois Vieillecroze and the designer Olivier Saguez - where visitors are welcomed to enjoy a true tasting experience.
All you need to know about Minuty’s terroir
Location and exposure
The prestigious Chateau Minuty can be found along the winding roads of the Var, entering the magnificent Maures mountain range in Gassin, not far from Saint-Tropez. Surrounded by cypresses, palm trees and garrigue scrubs and nestled in strikingly beautiful landscape that Provence is known for, the estate is close to the Mediterranean Sea and benefits from its perfectly situated vineyards, enjoying a south-east / south-west exposure, is a green and calm haven.
Geology: an exceptional vineyard resting on a taspestry of soils
Chateau Minuty enjoys a breathtaking view of the Bay of Pampelonne, a terroir with an unmatched beauty and richness. Covering an area of 160 hectares, the exceptional terroir of Chateau Minuty comprises a 60-hectare single-block of vines resting on schistose limestone soils, 80 hectares in Vidauban are set on clay-limestone soils and also 20 hectares on the slopes of Valderian.
Climate: vines under the influence of a mild Mediterranean climate
Tempered by its proximity of the sea, the Mediterranean climate from which the vineyard benefits is very mild. The regulatory effect of the sea spray ensures that the vineyard maintain its healthy condition, by drying out the morning dew, thus preventing the spread of disease.
Cultivation practices
Everything comes down to the vineyard. Nestled in a lush green landscape, the vineyard benefits from a preserved environment and a varied ecosystem. Great care is taken in the vineyard, which is cultivated using integrated viticultural methods, excluding the use of weedkillers and pesticides. The soils are enriched with organic matter from goats and sheep. They are also worked with the aim of favoring the regeneration of micro-organisms while impacting on the soil drainage process and the supply of water to the deep roots. Throughout the vegetative cycle, the vines receive constant attention in order to combine the best conditions so that the grapes can ripen before the harvest.
To respect nature, each grape variety is planted on the part of the vineyard most appropriate to its character and needs, thus enabling the fruit to develop fully.
The grape varieties are planted according to the soils features in order to reveal their full personality. The limestone and schist soils surrounding Chateau Minuty are dedicated to the production of Grenache, which is used in the composition of rose and red wines. Tibouren, the iconic Provencal grape variety in the Saint-Tropez peninsula, is used to produce rose wines. Syrah and Mourvedre are planted on south-west facing plots, with schist soils and give rise to powerful and deep red wines. The white wines are made from Rolle grapes planted on stony limestone slopes that are ideal for the expression of minerality.
Vinification
The nuances and potential of these great winegrowing terroirs in Provence are enhanced by the constant pursuit of excellence along with a historical know-how combined with state-of-the-art infrastructures. This is the secret behind Chateau Minuty's ability to produce fine Cotes de Provence wines.
Minuty is one of the few estates to perpetuate manual harvesting in order to favor the integrity of the grapes. Following destemming, the grapes are lightly crushed before being cooled at low temperature and inerted to avoid any possible oxidation that could impact the structure and aromatic palette of the grapes. Pressed pneumatically, the juices are carefully drained and then pressed at low pressure to ensure an optimal extraction. A long fermentation at low temperature to reveal the aromatic potential is followed by a progressive racking throughout winter before proceeding with the blend.
The style of the wines by Minuty
Wine profile
Flaunting their modern-shaped bottle and a style that combines elegance, freshness and expression, the wines by Chateau Minuty stand out due to their unique identities, recognizable by wine lovers. Although 85% of the estate's production is dedicated to the production of rose wines, white and red wines are not overlooked. Minuty’s signature style is encapsulated within the sleek, modern-shaped bottle and the state-of-the-art bottling line, which limits the oxidation of the wines to a minimum.
A wine for your utmost pleasure and enjoyment, the Minuty M range invites you to discover the style of the house. Harmonious, full of freshness and expressing the purity of the grapes, the wines in the M by Minuty range will be the true guest of honor to your summer get-togethers.
The estate’s emblematic reference for over 25 years, the Minuty Prestige range reflects the identity of the fine Provence terroirs. Testifying to the Matton family's know-how, Minuty Prestige is the embodiment of a wine that blends power and finesse.
Lastly, the vintages from the 281 range and Minuty Or are worth mentioning. The estate’s iconic wine, Minuty 281 is immediately recognizable by its sleek bottle adorned with a pink and blue color. The name of this superb rose wine refers to the 281 blue colour in a color chart. Produced in limited quantities, Chateau Minuty 281 is one of the finest Provence rose wines. With its great aromatic complexity, this Cotes de Provence wine exudes an alluring finesse and depth on the palate, offering a beautiful iodine minerality. Lastly, the Minuty Or range evolves between finesse and elegance, revealing intense and complex wines with a lot of freshness and a beautiful burst of fruit.
Food and wine pairing
A great wine for gourmets, Chateau Minuty’s wines lend themselves beautifully to the most special food and wine pairing experiences. Pure expression of the Provence terroirs, these Cotes de Provence wines will most definitely delight the senses. From the simpler dishes to the more elaborate and refined, they showcase a unique Provencal style which immediately evokes pleasant summer days, the scent of garrigue scrubs, of lavender sprigs and dried pine needles, the song of cicadas, but also of gourmet sweet melon, luscious olive oil or a flavorsome anchovy and caper tapenade.
Expressive and authentic, the wines by Chateau Minuty can be enjoyed with Provencal cuisine, while lending themselves to surprising and delicious pairings with cuisine from all over the world.
Elegance, refinement, delicious and finesse, enjoy the concentrated and fresh wines by Chateau Minuty.
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