Xavier Weisskopf founded Le Rocher des Violettes in 2005 after studying winemaking in Chablis and Beaune and earning his degree in viticulture and oenology. He quickly went to work for the hard working and demanding Lous Barruol at famed Gigondas producer Chateau de Saint Cosme. He quickly rose to the rank of chef du cave, making 4 vintages during his tenure. His love for Chenin Blanc drew him to Montlouis, where an underappreciation of this historic appellation allowed him to acquire 9 hectares of sacred old vine sites (mostly planted pre WWII!). He immediately converted the farming of all his vines to certified organics, with the aim to allow these precious old vines to speak without obfuscation. This traditional philosophy extends into the cellar where his use of older barrels shows the deft touch of true Chenin zen. His goal is simply to make wines of clarity, focus and laser precision.

Certified organic
100% Chenin Blanc
From a section of Touche Mitaine that was recently declassified from Montlouis
Limestone and silex
60+ year old vines
Indigenous yeast
Fermented and aged in stainless steel

GRAPE VARIETIES
• 100% Chenin Blanc

FARMING PRACTICES
• Certified Organic by Ecocert SAS
• No herbicides or pesticides used
• High-density plantings
• Hand-harvested in small crates

TERROIR // SOIL TYPE // VINE AGE
• Declassified Montlouis vines
• From a 1ha section of the lieu-dit Touche Mitaine in
Montlouis that was reclassified from Montlouis to Touraine
• Limestone and silex, with clay
• 60+ year old vines

WINEMAKING
• Indigenous yeast
• Fermented in and aged in stainless steel tanks

TASTING NOTES/PRESS
• This deliciously refreshing Chenin Blanc comes from old vines in a section of Montlouis that will soon be reclassified to Touraine. It has a wonderfully complex and lifted nose of jasmine tea, citrus, and white flowers. The palate is crisp and laser-focused, with a delicate silky texture.