Château Galoupet Rosé A Gem From The French Riviera
Château Galoupet Rosé, A gem from the French Riviera
Chateau Galoupet
I was first introduced to Château Galoupet in April 2024, during lunch with Estate Director, Mathieu Meyer. I’d never tried a premium rosé before then, certainly not one that demanded a £50 a bottle price tag and claimed to be the wine that could accompany every course on the lunch or dinner menu, including steak. From that point I’d fallen in love with this gastronomic rosé and was delighted to receive a bottle of the latest 2024 vintage and the newly released organic ‘G de Galoupet 2024’, a wine with a price point which is accessible to more rosé wine lovers. G de Galoupet comes in one of the world’s lightest glass bottles (just 300g), made from 85% recycled glass, with a -50% carbon footprint compared to standard. I’m going to go as far as to say this going to be the must have rosé wine of the summer!
Château Galoupet is nestled amidst 69 hectares of vineyards and 77 hectares of wild protected woodland, overlooking the Golden Isles on the French Riviera. This Cru Classé Côtes de Provence estate has been meticulously regenerated, nurturing both the vines and the biodiversity that thrives here. Certified organic since May 2023, it’s a place where nature and wine harmonise beautifully.
Nestled in the sun-kissed vineyards of Côtes de Provence, Chateau Galoupet stands as a beacon of sustainability and excellence under the ownership of luxury conglomerate LVMH. With a commitment to both environmental stewardship and quality winemaking, Chateau Galoupet Rosé offers not only a delightful sensory experience but also a testament to the importance of sustainable practices in the wine industry. From vine to bottle, sustainability is woven into the fabric of Chateau Galoupet's ethos. The estate's vineyards are meticulously tended using organic and biodynamic principles, eschewing synthetic pesticides and fertilisers in favour of natural methods that promote biodiversity and soil health. This dedication to sustainable farming not only ensures the long-term vitality of the land but also imbues the grapes with a sense of terroir that shines through in the final wine. But Chateau Galoupet's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vineyard to every aspect of the winemaking process, including packaging.
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The Terroir
The 40 organically farmed plots play a crucial role in shaping the quality and character of their wines. Each plot is meticulously selected and cultivated to express the terroir—a blend of soil, climate, and topography—that influences grape growth and flavour. Varying soil types, sun exposure, and microclimates within the vineyard result in distinctive flavour profiles. By carefully managing and nurturing each plot, Chateau Galoupet produces exceptional wines that truly reflect their unique terroir.
Crafting the Wine
To truly understand and appreciate the final blend (and its price tag) it crucial to understand Château Galoupet’s winemaking process - is a labour of love, they harvest, press, and vinify plot by plot.
The final wine is typically crafted from a blend of grape varieties, each contributing its own unique characteristics to the final wine. While specific proportions may vary from vintage to vintage, the key criteria is taste, not colour.
Grenache is a versatile grape variety providing the backbone to the blend. known for its fruity aromas it adds a subtle spiciness and richness to the wine, along with a soft, rounded texture on the palate.
Cinsault prized for its delicate floral aromas and bright acidity, lends a freshness and vibrancy to the wine. It contributes notes of red berry fruits, as well as a touch of elegance and finesse.
Syrah and Rolle are co-pressed and vinified together, some in stainless steel and others in oak. This brings depth and complexity to the blend with its dark fruit flavours, such as blackberry and plum, and hints of pepper and spice. It adds structure to the wine, along with silky tannins that provide balance and length on the palate.
Tibouren, ‘an extrovert grape’ used for its ageing potential, is a lesser-known grape variety native to the Provence region. Offering unique herbal and floral aromas, it contributes a subtle minerality to the wine, along with refreshing acidity and a distinctive savoury character.
By carefully blending these grape varieties, the winemakers at Chateau Galoupet achieve a harmonious balance of flavours and textures in their rosé wine.
Château Galoupet Cru Classé Rosé 2024 (Available in Retailers from May, Majestic Wine, and Jeroboams)
Whilst 2021 was the first vintage released; it was 2023 which saw the first certified organic vintage. The 2024 vintage has slightly less grenache when compared to previous vintages, comprising of 45% Grenache, 17% Tibouren - the estate’s signature variety, 18% Rolle and 20% Syrah. All wines were aged on the lees, with five months of bâttonage for the barrel fermented plot wines.
Concentrated aromas of kumquat and passion fruit notes are accompanied by exotic summer fruits and a silky, saline finish. Everything in this wine is beautifully balanced.
And when it comes to food pairing, you decide, it goes with everything from seared beef and sticky rice to monkfish with dauphinoise and creamy grilled asparagus.
If you are blessed with patience, this is a rosé that doesn’t need to be rushed or consumed whilst young. Both the 2022 and 2023 vintages have shown development in bottle - gaining texture and complexity over time
2024 Chateau Galoupet Rose, Cru Classe Cotes de Provence - Jeroboams
G de Galoupet 2024 (RRP £22.50 Ocado, Jeroboams, Laithwaites)
The wine is presented in one of the world's lightest glass bottles, weighing just 300 grams and is made from 85% recycled glass, significantly reducing its carbon footprint by 50% compared to standard bottles.
The Eco-Friendly designed bottle features no plastic or aluminium on the neck tag, a recyclable paper label, and organic ink, emphasizing Château Galoupet's commitment to sustainability.
G de Galoupet is a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Rolle, 10% Syrah, and 5% Tibouren - the estate’s signature variety. "Our new ‘G de Galoupet’ presents a perfect balance of freshness, gourmet, and delicacy. It captures the essence of the 2024 vintage and the Provençal terroir.” Mathieu Meyer, Estate Director.
The 2024 vintage predominantly features estate-grown grapes, complemented by fruit from a northern terroir to enhance its freshness and complexity. The grapes were chilled, gently pressed at low pressure, and then fermented in stainless steel tanks before being aged on fine lees. This wine is packaged in an amber recycled glass bottle, free from plastic or aluminium on the neck tag, and features a recyclable paper label with organic ink.
With aromas of grapefruit and exotic fruits, and a silky, saline, fruity palate, G pairs wonderfully with a variety of fresh dishes, including salads, sushi, white fish, and Mediterranean cuisine.
As well as enjoying the wines at home, Château Galoupet is scheduled to open to the public in 2025 with a boutique for its rosé vintages and other sustainably sourced products and souvenirs, including honey from the estate’s bees and naturally scented candles housed in the signature Château Galoupet bottle’s recycled glass. There will also be a guided walk in the vineyard and the woodlands, where visitors will discover the indigenous biodiversity of Provence and all the measures taken to restore and preserve it on the estate. The 1½-hour visit will culminate in a wine tasting on the café’s terrace where guests will be able to enjoy breathtaking views and a delicious selection of food pairings.
