Wines by Region / Savoie / Arbin
Domaine Charles Trosset
Arbin, Savoie
The Trosset brothers, Louis and Joseph, are in their mid-sixties and took over for their father Charles following his death in 2000. With at least 4 generations of winegrowers before them, the brothers have some wonderfully positioned vineyard plots on the steep slopes above the domaine. The siblings have clearly divided roles, and it’s strictly Joseph who works the vines. When asked about the winemaking, he said he would have to speak to his brother. His job, he stated, was to make sure the best grapes make it down the hill and into the tanks. At the end of the day, he receives some guests and makes some sales. His brother Louis, in addition to working at the local university, handles the winemaking and occupies himself with sales.  Trosset winery
Exclusively Mondeuse
Mondeuse is the only grape the Trossets have planted. The grapes are grown on severe slopes (with 35-40% grades), which make it a foregone conclusion that all work is done by hand. Their 4 hectares of vineyards are spread over 10 parcels, all of which face south. The vines are pruned using the gobelet method (often seen in the Southern Rhone and Beaujolais), and the average age of the vines is 25 years. The older vines are planted with about 45 inches between them. The younger vines have about 60 inches between them, which gives a larger leaf canopy and more aeration. There are no chemical fertilizers used in the vineyard (only organic compost), and the soil is worked 2 or 3 times a year. This forces the vines to search the subsoil for their essential nutrients. In certain years, a green harvest is performed to further concentrate the grapes. The harvest is entirely by hand, in small plastic bins to avoid any oxidation before the grapes arrive at the winery (right) at the bottom of the hill. Usually the plots are harvested separately, and each goes into a particular tank. Fermentation normally lasts 8 to 10 days, with a daily pump over. The wine is raised in stainless steel and enamel lined tanks—no wood is used on the wines. A number of different cuvées are assembled, and released under the names Tradition, Prestige des Arpentes, Confidentiel, Harmonie and Privilege. |
Domaine Charles Trosset et Fils Arbin Mondeuse “Harmonie”
[coming soon] Domaine Charles Trosset et Fils Arbin Mondeuse “Prestige des Arpentes”
Deep ruby color. Blackberry with a bit of red fruit peeking through, along with a touch of pepper. A hint of herbs (mountain herbs, as in Chartreuse) come through on the rich, full-bodied palate. The lightly tannic finish is also long. 
Charles Trosset Vineyard
Louis et Joseph Trosset
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