Château Minuty
Key French Terms
A Cru Classé pioneer and global ambassador for Provence rosé, farming 160 hectares by hand across three distinct terroirs since 1936.
Château Minuty is a Cru Classé des Côtes de Provence estate producing world-class rosé across 160 hectares in southern France. Four generations of the Matton family have shaped the domaine since 1960, with wines now distributed in over 100 countries. Hand harvesting and herbicide-free viticulture have been estate standards since Gabriel Farnet acquired the property in 1936.
- Cru Classé des Côtes de Provence, classified in 1955 as one of only 23 such properties
- 160 hectares farmed across three terroirs: Gassin, Vidauban, and Ramatuelle
- 85 to 90 percent of production is rosé wine
- One of the last estates in Côtes de Provence to harvest entirely by hand
- HVE (High Environmental Value) certification achieved in 2019
- Sustainable viticulture without herbicides or pesticides since 1936
- Wines exported to over 100 countries worldwide
History and Ownership
The estate was built in the mid-1800s during the reign of Napoleon III. Gabriel Farnet acquired and revived Château Minuty in 1936, establishing the sustainable farming practices that define the domaine to this day. In 1960, Monique Farnet and Étienne Matton took over, and Monique designed the now-iconic 'La Provençale' bottle shape that same year. Jean-Etienne and François Matton assumed control in the 1990s, representing the fourth generation of family stewardship.
- Built in the mid-1800s under Napoleon III
- Acquired by Gabriel Farnet in 1936 and organically revived from the outset
- Monique Matton created the iconic 'La Provençale' bottle design in 1960
- Jean-Etienne and François Matton lead the estate today
Terroir and Vineyards
Château Minuty draws fruit from three distinct vineyard areas: Gassin, Vidauban, and Ramatuelle. The estate encompasses 160 hectares planted across varied soils. The Gassin site features schistic limestone across 65 hectares. Vidauban and Ramatuelle soils range from clay-limestone at 80 to 120 hectares to sandy soils underlain by limestone. The temperate maritime climate of Côtes de Provence provides consistently warm, dry growing conditions ideal for producing pale, elegant rosé.
- Three vineyard terroirs: Gassin (schistic limestone), Vidauban, and Ramatuelle (clay-limestone and sandy limestone)
- Temperate maritime climate across all sites
- Total estate area of 160 hectares
- All fruit harvested by hand, one of the last estates in the appellation to maintain this practice
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
The estate grows Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Tibouren, Rolle, and Mourvèdre across its three terroirs. Rosé accounts for 85 to 90 percent of total production, in keeping with the identity of the Côtes de Provence appellation. White wines are produced from Rolle, while reds draw on the estate's classic Mediterranean varieties. Tibouren is a distinctly Provençal variety and a traditional component in the estate's blends.
- Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Tibouren, Mourvèdre used in rosé and red blends
- Rolle is the primary variety for white wine production
- Rosé represents 85 to 90 percent of total output
- Tibouren is a rare, regionally significant variety grown at Minuty
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Look it up →Sustainability and Certification
Château Minuty has operated without herbicides or pesticides since Gabriel Farnet established the estate's farming philosophy in 1936, making sustainability a founding principle rather than a recent initiative. The estate earned HVE (High Environmental Value) certification in 2019, formalizing its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. Hand harvesting across all 160 hectares further underscores the estate's dedication to quality and ecological responsibility.
- No herbicides or pesticides used since 1936
- HVE (High Environmental Value) certification awarded in 2019
- Entirely hand-harvested across all vineyard sites
- Four generations of continuous family ownership maintaining these standards
Château Minuty rosés are characterized by pale, luminous color with aromas of fresh strawberry, white peach, and citrus blossom. The palate is dry and elegant with crisp acidity, delicate fruit, and a clean, mineral finish typical of Côtes de Provence's best terroirs.
- Château Minuty Rosé M de Minuty$18-22Entry-level Côtes de Provence rosé showcasing the estate's signature pale, fresh Grenache and Cinsault style.Find →
- Château Minuty Prestige Rosé$25-35Cru Classé rosé blending Grenache, Cinsault, and Tibouren from the estate's three distinct terroirs.Find →
- Château Minuty Cuvée de l'Oratoire Rosé$55-70Top-tier estate rosé from the Gassin schistic limestone terroir, showing depth and mineral complexity.Find →
- Château Minuty holds Cru Classé des Côtes de Provence status, one of 23 estates classified in 1955
- Key grape varieties: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Tibouren, Rolle, and Mourvèdre
- Three vineyard terroirs: Gassin (schistic limestone, 65ha), Vidauban, and Ramatuelle (clay-limestone and sandy limestone)
- Sustainable farming without herbicides or pesticides from 1936; HVE certified in 2019
- Rosé comprises 85 to 90 percent of production; wines distributed in over 100 countries