The story of Les Frères Couillaud is one of bold vision and dedication, beginning in 1978 when the three brothers acquired Château de la Ragotière, a medieval estate dating back to the 14th century, complete with remnants of moats, an original stone gateway and a restored chapel. Their philosophy combines deep respect for the terroir with ecological viticulture and continuous innovation: from Terra Vitis certification and organic conversion to experimental plantings of disease‑resistant varieties such as Muscaris, Floréal, Voltis and Sauvignac. Winemaking focuses on precise berry‑ripeness assessment, gentle pressing, cold settling and long ageing on lees in underground glass‑lined tanks, amphorae and oak barrels. The new generation — Amélie and Vincent — continues to shape the estate’s future, blending tradition, biodiversity and forward‑thinking techniques to craft wines that embody the elegance, freshness and unique character of the Ragotière terroir.

Winemaking

This 100% Melon de Bourgogne wine is produced in the Loire Valley near the Atlantic, in the canton of Vallet, on a very stony and steep south‑facing hillside. The 2020 harvest took place in September. Pneumatic pressing is followed by cold settling before temperature‑controlled alcoholic fermentation at 14–16 °C. The wine is aged on fine lees for 44 months in underground glass‑lined tanks, then cold‑stabilized and bottled in April 2024.

Tasting notes

The profile combines minerality and power with aniseed and brioche notes, while the palate shows remarkable freshness and depth.

Food pairing

It pairs beautifully with scallop carpaccio, sea bass tartare, langoustines and 18‑month aged Comté. Serve at 12 °C. Cellaring potential is 6–10 years.