Exploring the Heart of Provence Rosé | A Visit to Château Minuty

Darren’s Trip to Provence

At Whelehans Wines, we’re passionate about connecting our customers with the finest wines from around the world, and few regions capture the essence of summer quite like Provence. Known as the birthplace of rosé wine, Provence is home to some of the most iconic producers in the world—one of which is the legendary Château Minuty.

Recently, our colleague Darren had the unique opportunity to visit this historic estate, nestled in the hills above Saint-Tropez, and experience firsthand the craftsmanship behind their world-renowned Provence rosé wines. From walking the sun-soaked vineyards to tasting the latest vintages, Darren’s visit offered an insider’s perspective on why Château Minuty remains a benchmark for premium rosé wines.

If you’re looking to discover or stock up on the best rosé wines from Provence, keep reading as we sat down with Darren to hear all about his experience at this iconic estate and what makes Château Minuty a true ambassador for premium rosé.

Darren, can you tell us about the history and philosophy behind Minuty ?

"Château Minuty is located on the St-Tropez Peninsula in the Provence region (oldest wine region in France) and was run for over 80 years by the Matton-Farnet family up until its recent acquisition by Moet Hennessy in 2023. It was granted Cru Classés status in 1955. As is typical for the region, 85% of the wine produced at Chateau Minuty is a Rosé style. Provence is the only wine region in the world where Rosé is the predominate style of wine produced. Château Minuty is one of the last estates in Provence whose entire harvest is hand-picked ensuring that the grapes are in perfect condition. To ensure their wine retains its crisp freshness and purity of fruit, once harvested the grapes are immediately cooled to a low temperature to avoid any oxidation."

What stood out to you most during the vineyard tour ?

"On arrival to the winery, what struck me first was the idyllic location of the Chateau nestled in the hills above St. Tropez.  Samuel, our wonderful host, then took us through the history of the Chateau including  a turbulent period when it was taken under the control of the German forces during World War II . We visited the charming Chapel located on the grounds that was built over 200 years ago and has been used by the Matton-Farnet family for weddings and other family celebrations. There are now plans to renovate the original Chateau to its former splendour."

What are the grape varieties grown at Minuty?

"The main grape grown is Grenache which is very well suited to the warm climate. Also grown is Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre , Rolle and Tibouren."

Did you get a chance to taste a any new vintages ? What impressed you the most ?

"At the end of the vineyard tour, we had the pleasure of tasting the full range of wines produced by Chateau Minuty which included the 2024 vintage of their wonderful Rosés. We started with their entry level wine being the Minuty ‘M’ and progressed to Minuty Prestige , Rosé et Or and finally their flagship Chateau Minuty 212. Whilst some wines had more complexity and flavour concentration than others, what stood out most was that all of the wines had a  wonderful purity of fruit and delivered so much freshness on the palate...The fact that the sun was sunning only enhanced the tasting experience!"

What food pairings would you recommend for the two Minuty rosés we offer at the shop?

"For the 2024 Minuty "M"which is vibrant and refreshingly light, I’d recommend pairing it with summer salads, fresh seafood like grilled prawns or oysters, or even a simple goat’s cheese tart. It’s the perfect wine for casual outdoor dining and light, zesty dishes.

The 2024 Minuty Prestige, on the other hand, has more complexity and structure, making it a great match for slightly richer fare. Think grilled Mediterranean vegetables, Provençal-style roast chicken, or a classic Niçoise salad. It also pairs beautifully with lightly spiced Asian dishes and sushi.
Both wines really shine when served chilled and enjoyed in the sunshine - Provence in a glass, as they say!"

Darren’s visit to Château Minuty offered valuable insight into the care and craftsmanship behind some of Provence’s most respected rosé wines. From their commitment to hand-harvesting to their focus on preserving freshness and purity, it’s clear why Minuty continues to set the standard for quality in the region.

We’re delighted to now offer the new 2024 vintages of Château Minuty at Whelehans Wines - perfect for discovering the latest expression of this iconic Provence estate!