A culture of excellence

From its inception, the estate has been awarded prestigious distinctions asserting the quality of its wines. At the International Exposition of 1867 (Exposition universelle [d'art et d'industrie]), Napoléon III awarded a gold medal to Comte de Raousset, the wine grower of the day.

Every year, Château de Raousset's list of achievements in wine grows with gold, silver or bronze medals won at the Concours Général Agricole, the Grands Vins de France de Mâcon or the Guide Hachette des Vins.

These awards perpetuate the soul and values instilled by Comte de Raousset from its inception.

Find out more about the estate's wines

History of a passionate family

Prestigious wines produced on a unique and recognized terroir

Founded in 1850 by Comte de Raousset, situated in the heart of the Beaujolais GeoPark, the 35-hectare estate extends over the prestigious Chiroubles, Fleurie and Morgon vineyards. They give the wines nuances and typicality specific to each of the parcels planted with Gamay Noir and Chardonnay.

The history of Château de Raousset is closely bound up with the Beaujolais region and the commune of Chiroubles in particular. Rooted in the Beaujolais terroir since the end of the 19th century, the estate has contributed to the influence national and international of Chiroubles, Fleurie and Morgon vintages since its beginnings.

Chiroubles, the estate's birthplace, is the highest vintage (between 250 and 400 metres above sea level). The very hilly relief facing east and south-east plunges down to valleys drained by the Douby and its tributaries.

Among the most illustrious vintages is Morgon; the estate's Morgon vines, nearly 70 years old, are planted in the localities called “Douby“ (the name of a brook rising on the slopes of Chapelle Saint Roch).
Morgon draws its originality from earth resulting from the weathering of shale, impregnated with iron oxide and manganese, giving the soil red ochre tones.

Delicate and elegant, the Fleurie appellation facing south-east/north-east, stretches over gentle slopes from Mont Genas and the Madone, towards the east and south in the direction of the Saône plain. Consisting of magnophyric granite ground from the Fleurie massif, the estate's “Grille Midi” terroir (locally also called climat) gives this renowned Beaujolais vintage all its delicacy.

More about the Beaujolais terroirs

Crus prestigieux

Culture de l'excellence

Age-old guiding values

Comte de Raousset's has inspired all the successive generations that have managed the estate for over 150 years.

A spirit of independence and conquest and a culture of rigour and excellence still nurture the descendants and teams who have made the reputation of this estate.

By assertively laying claim to its terroir and its part in the rich history of Beaujolais, the family-run Château de Raousset estate constantly reinvents itself to sustain the Raousset signature instituted by its illustrious founder.

Highlights of the estate’s history

Today, Corinne de Lassagne, Charles Eric de la Chapelle and Véronique Peillon, accompanied by an experienced team, run the estate with high standards and passion.

1840

Léon Félissent, a silk manufacturer in Lyon and mayor of Chiroubles, built the château and established the estate that would become "Château de Raousset"

1869

After two silver medals awarded in 1861 and 1869, Napoléon III awarded Paul-Henry de Raousset his first gold medal and the Universal Exposition.

1850

Count Paul-Henry-de-Raousset became owner of the estate when he married Léon Félissent's daughter Victorine. It is still their descendants who now run the estate (below the bust of the Count with the family's arms “D'or à la croix pattée de sable, bordée de gueules”).

THE WINES

Chiroubles, Fleurie, Morgon… The history of the Château de Raousset is closely bound up with that of Beaujolais and its illustrious vintages, contributing to the international renown of its wines awarded prizes on many occasions for their delicacy and subtle, rich aromas.