The Fines Roches
castle history
And a bit of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
1880 - 1910
1880
A the end of XIXth century
Construction works at the Castle
After purchasing the domain of Fines Roches, Henri-Auguste Constantin (1845-1910), first owner of the castle, got his inspiration not only from Avignon ramparts but also from the castle at the top of the village. He design a neo-medieval façade, of meridional influence, around which a large winery is expanding and where he replant a vineyard.
He wanted the Fine Roches to be a model of all those who followed the french wine-growing.
He wanted the Fine Roches to be a model of all those who followed the french wine-growing.
1893
Anselme Matthieu, the dean of Félibres
The construction of the castle as seen by Anselme Matthieu
A friend of Henri-Auguste Constantin, Anselme Matthieu lived in the castle for some time and participated in its inauguration.
" A man had come, and putting aside the conventional culture processes at the domain of Fines Roches , brought new ones. Sacrificing all to the expected future of his vineyards, he did wonders at Châteauneuf. During several months, machines had turned over the soil, digging it deep under the pebbles, the fields were suddenly levelled ; the sleeping sap was awakening with a new identity.
And while the once famous vineyards of Châteauneuf were coming back to life, an impressive castle, built according to the plans of the former summer residence of the Popes (which was destroyed in 1631 by the baron des Adrets) was standing, majestic, on the Fines Roches land, outlining its towers and crenels on the blue sky. The domain had a distinctive trademark. touch dans le ciel bleu ses tours et ses créneaux. Le domaine avait sa véritable marque. The past was brought completely to life. "
1894
Extract from " La Croix " newspaper
The wine of Fines-Roches is already incomparable
" Between Avignon, city of Popes and Orange, city of emperors, we can spot on the banks of the Rhône, the pleasant hillsides of the municipality of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose exquisite wines were already highly acclaimed in the ancient time when the good Pope Clément V, leaving Avignon with his lazy mule, went there to relax while cultivating himself his favorite vineyard, that is, in a time when the renown didn't benefit, like today, of some magical winds to run around the world and arouse the curiosity of gourmets.
Today, the efforts of Fines-Roches owner are paying off. The grapes varieties of small Syrah, beautifully exposed, give a delicious wine, of rubis color, whose fine bouquet (different from bordeaux or burgundy aromas) leave a delicate impression of freshness and life on your palate. The Fines-Roches wine is already incomparable. Tommorow, his renown will be worldwide. "
Today, the efforts of Fines-Roches owner are paying off. The grapes varieties of small Syrah, beautifully exposed, give a delicious wine, of rubis color, whose fine bouquet (different from bordeaux or burgundy aromas) leave a delicate impression of freshness and life on your palate. The Fines-Roches wine is already incomparable. Tommorow, his renown will be worldwide. "
Advertising postcard
1895
Article from The New York Herald
Frédéric Mistral
When this nearly feodal castle was inaugurated, an unforgettable popular celebration took place. Poets, winemakers, farmers from all around the region have hurried to the place and during, a good part of the night, under the light of the bonfires ; the speeches, songs and making at toast went on the night. In an eloquent improvisation, Mistral, whose for wittiness was named the Emperor of Provence, stated that Fines Roches should be the center of the "Félibrige" and then sang to the glory of the ressurected Châteauneuf "The king of wine, the wine of kings".
1895
Advertising by Charles VERNEAU (1852-1931), printer
1895
Henriette Constantin engagement
Alphonse Daudet
" We went up to the poet Anselm Mathieu’s at Châteauneuf-du- Pape, famous for its vineyards , which were for a long time the most renowned in Provence . Oh ! the wine Of the popes, the golden, royal, imperial, pontifical wine ! we drank it there on the shore, singing Mistral’s verses the while, new fragments Of the Iles d’Or. "
1910
View of the vineyards
During the harvest
A domain belonging to Grands Vins des Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Vineyards and Castle of Fines Roches
1910 - 1936
1911
Vehicles passing in front of the 2 towers at Fines Roches entrance
Vehicles passing in front of Fines Roches entrance
The Marquis of Baroncelli
Son-in-law of Constantin, the marquis Folco of Baroncelli, descendant of a renowned florentine family, establish the Fines Roches casle as a reception place that welcome Frédéric Mistral, Roumanille, Alphonse Daudet, when he was not busy in his 'manade' in Camargue.
1932
In 1932, The Grandes Caves of Lyon buy the domain back.
1936
A small story of the Baroncelli
1932
Picture from François Kollar (1904-1979)
1936
1936
Louis Mousset, new director
In 1936, Louis Mousset purchase the castle with 45 hectares of vineyards and made the property the center of a wine business and, a true family estate.
After his death, the domain was divided between his 3 children: Jacques, Guy and Catherine.
After his death, the domain was divided between his 3 children: Jacques, Guy and Catherine.
1958
The Fines Roches Castle become "Relais d'Honneur"
Fines Roches Castle (1966)
1970 - 2000
1976
Advertising of 1976, Hostellerie classified 3*
1983
2000 - 2030
2006
A first renovation
True to its legend, as a place of conviviality, since 2006, the site is home to a charming hotel and gastronomic restaurant
managed by Laurent and Martine Zennaro. If they have furnished the 3000 meters space inside the castle - the original rooms are transformed, the old library has become the breakfast room, a swimming pool was built, and if you go down three steps you discover the wine tanks, barely hidden. In the renovated tower is the smallest room and the only one which has an access to the roof.
managed by Laurent and Martine Zennaro. If they have furnished the 3000 meters space inside the castle - the original rooms are transformed, the old library has become the breakfast room, a swimming pool was built, and if you go down three steps you discover the wine tanks, barely hidden. In the renovated tower is the smallest room and the only one which has an access to the roof.
2014
The hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches honored
Laurent and Martine Zennaro of the Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches have officially received the label "charte de qualité accueil (quality of welcome) from the association "Site remarquable du goût". (remarkable culinary site)
2017
Hugo Loridan-Fombonne : the drive for excellence
Laureate of the "Jeunes talents" of the 'maîtres-restaurateurs' in 2016, the young chef of Fines Roches Castle will defend his title.
2021
A new design
Denis Duchêne, the new president, undertook along with Sébastien Gutierrez and Hugo Lorridan, his two associates, major work on the interior decoration in the lounges, conference and wedding rooms. A spa is created with sauna and balneo. The exterior is also redesigned. The Hostellerie is ready to welcome individual and professional customers in optimum conditions.
