Solutions France - Le Chai du Rouissoir - Pineau - Cognac

Contact Details:
GAEC ChaponChai du Rouissoir« Roussillon »17500 OZILLAC
Tél ou Fax : 05 46 48 14 76Portable : 06 89 95 08 22
e-mail : chaidurouissoir@hotmail.com
GPS : Longitude : 00° 24' 50'' West - Latitude : 45° 25' 10'' North

The Chai du Roussoir is a small, family-owned business, which makes award-winning cognac, pineau, wine and grape juice from the vines on their property near Jonzac.

The owners, Didier and Hugues Chapon, are ecologically aware, and take great care of both their vines and of the forests which surround them. Part of this care is their ethos of agriculture raisonnée , which means using the strictest minimum of chemicals, so as the preserve the environment and to keep their product natural. Why spray the vines when ladybirds will do the trick?

They use traditional, centuries'-old techniques but are also brilliant innovators, creating new products (including delicious cognac cocktails) and also new ways of introducing people to their vineyards, such as the organized walks for families through their vines.

Their Products: Anyone visiting the Chai du Roussoir will see Didier or Hugues in the vineyards tending their beloved vines, day in, day out, all year long. They have won many prizes for their products, and it is easy to see that their hard work has paid off when you have a taste of their:

The story of the Chai du Roussoir and more about their wine-growing:

The family has been making wine for many generations. The wine is made, distilled, aged and bottled on their property.

The Land:

The vineyard is based on a mixture of clay and limestone, interspersed with flint. Fossils abound! The closeness to the coast and more than 2600 hours of sunshine a year (we are in the 2nd sunniest area in France) provide the vines with a temperate climate. This means the grapes mature perfectly, so the Chapon family can produce wines of the finest quality.

The Vineyards:

The Chapons cultivate the vineyards with great respect for the vines. For more than 20 years they have been advocates of Agriculture Raisonneé, i.e. of using the smallest quantities of pesticides etc...possible. They protect the environment which is the basis for their work.
Grass is left to grow in the whole of the vineyard, as it stops the vines from growing too much. Sections of Merlot and Cabernet have excess leaves, and sometimes excess bunches of grapes removed, so as to concentrate the aromas in the fruit. The oldest vines are reserved for pineau and cognac.

The Winery:

This is where the wine is made. Cognac is distilled in the traditional Charentais still. The thick stone walls of the building ensure a mild temperature, ideal to preserve the wine and to age the pineau and cognac.

OPEN: every day from
14:00 pm to 19:00 pm - June to September
17:00 pm to 19:00 pm - October to May
except Sundays and Bank Hlidays
Visit & tastings are free of charge

5 year old cognac: Warm and floral, with woody and vanilla flavours. Will release its flavours properly when served with ice or in a cocktail.

10 year old reserve: Fruity flavours of apricot and pear soft and blended with the alcohol. Suits all occasions.
It won the Silver Medal in the Challenge International du Vin.

25 year old reserve: A blend of the family's oldest eau-de-vie...complex and exceptional flavour. Aromas of chocolate, spice and tobacco.

A subtle mix of cognac and fresh grape juice,
aged in oak barrels for 3 to 5 years.

White: >>>> Golden in colour, aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit. Sweet flavours of honey and of dried fruit.
It won the Gold Medal in 2007 in the Saveurs Régionales competition.
Winner of the Silver Medal in Paris, 2008, awarded in the Concours General Agricole.

<<<< Red: Ruby in colour, powerful aromas of fresh fruit and blackberry, prunes and cherry stones.
Selected by the Hachette Guide in 2007.

White: Colombard Blanc: from original Charentaise vines, with flavours of citrus fruit and pineapple. It won a silver medal in 2007 in the Saveurs Régionales competition.

Rosé: Cabernet Rose: Light and fruity, aromas of blackcurrant, red pepper and spice.

Red: Les Visans-Rouge : A considered mix of Merlot grapes, for the fruity taste, Cabernet grapes for structure, and old varieties of grape (Cot, Tannat) to produce a well-rounded, supple wine. Ready to drink or to lay down for 5 to 7 years. Selected by the Hachette guide in 2005.

GAEC ChaponChai du Rouissoir« Roussillon »17500 OZILLAC
Tél ou Fax : 05 46 48 14 76Portable : 06 89 95 08 22
e-mail : chaidurouissoir@hotmail.com
GPS : Longitude : 00° 24' 50'' West - Latitude : 45° 25' 10'' North

The Wine-Grower's Trail
- OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 2:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

The Chai du Rouissoir has created the Sentier du Vigneron, literally The Wine-Grower's Trail. It is a fun way for individuals and families to discover the world of the wine grower, at grass-roots (or rather vine-roots) level.

There are 4 walkers' trails that you can follow, through the vineyards, meadows and woods. They will take you between ½ hour and 3 hours depending on the trail you choose. Why not bring a picnic and make a day of it? It is a nice a way to gain insight into wine-making, and to enjoy the lovely countryside.

There are information panels along to way, so you can learn as you walk. Maps are available at reception in the Chai du Roussoir, as are fun game sheets for children.

Bring sensible shoes and a sun hat! Free of charge.

Once a month there is a special Chai du Roussoir by night. As from 9pm, you will be accompanied along the trail in the dark, with story-tellers who will relate the legends of the area. A memorable and atmospheric experience! 17 June, 16 July, 26 August and 16th September.

Legends and Music: 10am to 8pm on the 9th,10th and 11th August. All welcome. Free of charge.

The Chai du Roussoir is partners with Humour et Vigne.

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