Chateau de la Ragotierre - Muscadet

The Chateau de la Ragotiere, near Vallet in the heart of the finest Muscadet Vineyards, dates back to the 14th Century. It is now owned by the Couillaud brothers whose philosophy is to retain the very best of tradition yet taking the best of innovation to keep their wines at the forefront of the appellation.

Their work begins in the Ragotiere vineyards, a sloping and stoney hillside facing south-south east, where vines are methodically pruned, fertilised and harvested, the entire operation optimised by a computer linked directly to the brothers’ own state-of-the-art weather station. The vinification is no less strictly supervised, with pneumatic pressing and cold maceration employed to maximise fruit and aromas, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats. Maturation for about a year on the lees (sur lie) ensures the wines retain the maximum of freshness.

The next generation is now coming through at Ragotiere with the commercial side being looked after by Amelie Couillaud and the wine-making in then hands of her husband whilst the brothers still oversee operations thus maintining the excellent quality that has been the hallmark of their wines for decades. Classic Muscadet.