Les Fils de Charles Trosset

History of Domaine Les Fils de Charles Trosset

The Trosset family has been established in Arbin, a small Savoyard village not far from Chambéry, for several generations. Like most Savoyard families, the Trosssets practised mixed farming, combining vine growing with various other crops. It was gradually that Mondeuse came to take up all the space in the family vineyard. The decisive step came in 1982: the father, Charles Trosset, dissatisfied with the quality standards of the local cooperative cellar, decided to leave it in order to produce and bottle his own wines under the estate label. This decision for independence marked the beginning of the estate's rise to prominence on the stage of Savoie wines.

Louis Trosset, son of Charles and a trained researcher and lecturer in plant biology, gradually took over the reins of the estate. After a period of shared management with his brother Joseph, a separation in 2013 led Louis to run the estate alone under the name "Les Fils de Charles Trosset". Passionate about Mondeuse but not defining himself as a professional winemaker, Louis embodies an artisanal and rigorous vision of viticulture, where quality takes precedence over quantity. His wines, produced in very limited quantities, have become objects of desire for lovers of great Savoie wines the world over.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Les Fils de Charles Trosset

The vineyard of Domaine Les Fils de Charles Trosset extends over approximately 2 to 2.5 hectares, planted entirely with Mondeuse noire, on the hillsides of Arbin and Montmeillan, in the Combe de Savoie. The Arbin terroir is unanimously recognised as the finest for Mondeuse in Savoie: facing east and south-east, it benefits from the particular microclimate of the Combe, channelled by the relief of the Bauges and Chartreuse massifs. The soils are of great diversity, uniquely blending several elements that enrich the complexity of the wines: limestone rubble, white Kimmeridgian marls and the ferric red soils characteristic of the Baujuin slopes. The vines, aged between 25 and 50 years depending on the plot, produce grapes of remarkable natural concentration, thanks to deliberately limited yields.

Mondeuse d'Arbin has a genetic kinship with Syrah, and on this exceptional terroir it develops smoky, spicy and fruity aromas of rare depth and complexity. The estate adopts a sustainable farming approach, with manual soil work and manual whole-cluster harvesting, with no destemming. This decision not to destem lies at the heart of the Trosset style: the stems bring structure, tannic grip and ageing potential to the wines.

Winemaking at Domaine Les Fils de Charles Trosset

Winemaking at Domaine Les Fils de Charles Trosset is of remarkable consistency and constancy, faithful to a tradition handed down from generation to generation. Harvesting is done by hand, in whole clusters without destemming. Fermentations take place with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats, with vatting periods of 8 to 10 days. Ageing takes place entirely in stainless steel vats, plot by plot, for 8 to 12 months depending on the cuvée. No oak barrel ageing whatsoever: Louis Trosset is convinced that stainless steel vats are the finest setting for preserving the purity and breed of Mondeuse d'Arbin, without masking its expression with woody aromas. The blending of the different plots takes place only before bottling, allowing the finest vats to be selected for each cuvée.

This minimalist and respectful approach produces wines of incomparable fruit purity and aromatic precision. The Mondeuse noire vinified in this way expresses all its nuances: black cherry, blue plum, pepper, violet and smoky notes reminiscent of Syrah, with a fine and silky tannic structure in young vintages, which mellows and refines magnificently over years of cellaring.

The cuvées of Domaine Les Fils de Charles Trosset

Mondeuse Arbin Harmonie: The entry-level cuvée in the estate's hierarchy, drawn from the most approachable vats and the youngest or lightest plots. Its name evokes the balance and finesse it expresses with impressive consistency. A highly drinkable red wine, fruity and elegant from a young age, with aromas of black cherry, plum, spice and a characteristic peppery touch of Mondeuse. Satin palate, fine tannins, fresh finish. Ideal as an introduction to the Mondeuse d'Arbin of the Trossets, to be enjoyed within 3 to 5 years.

Mondeuse Arbin Prestige des Arpents: An intermediate cuvée representative of the estate's identity, drawn from a more rigorous selection of the finest vats, including a significant proportion of old vines. More structured and complex than the Harmonie, it stands out for its depth, density and capacity to age. A very fragrant nose of black cherry and blue plum, without any woodiness, with great finesse and a touch of freshly ground pepper. A satin palate, fine silky tannins, fluid and coulis-like juice. A Mondeuse regularly featured in the Guide Hachette des Vins, awarded coups de coeur. To be kept for 5 to 10 years depending on the vintage.

Mondeuse Arbin Confidentiel: The flagship cuvée of the estate and one of the absolute benchmarks of Mondeuse d'Arbin in Savoie. Drawn from a selection of the finest vats and the most concentrated old vines, this limited production is crafted for long ageing. 100% whole-cluster Mondeuse noire, vinified for 10 months in stainless steel vats. Nose of pepper and blackcurrant, a powerful and tannic palate in its youth that mellows superbly with time. Deep without heaviness, sunny and straight, where dark fruit and spice align with remarkable precision. Built to cellar for at least 10 years, it can age 15 to 20 years in great vintages such as 2003. Five coups de coeur in the Guide Hachette since 2000 attest to its level of excellence.

Mondeuse Arbin Parenthèse: A confidential and less regularly produced cuvée, drawn from a single-plot selection or a specific expression of the vintage, according to the opportunities and convictions of Louis Trosset. Its name evokes a parenthesis within the usual range, an exceptional wine crafted when conditions allow. A Mondeuse for ageing in the same spirit as the Confidentiel, for the most discerning enthusiasts.

Chignin-Bergeron Symphonie d'Automne: The estate's only white cuvée, made from Bergeron (a local variant of Roussanne) on the Chignin terroir, neighbouring Arbin. A dry white wine of great aromatic richness: white flowers, white and yellow-fleshed fruits, honey and gentle spices, with an ample palate and a beautiful final tension. Less celebrated than the estate's great Mondeuses but of genuine sincerity and a typical expression of the Savoyard terroirs. Cuvée produced occasionally depending on the vintage.