The true story of
Red Cabosse®
April 2020, Olivier, a former chemist turned wine merchant near Aix-en-Provence, discovered in the workshop of his neighbor, a master chocolatier, cocoa pod peels in jute bags destined to be thrown away.
For ecological reasons, he spreads the bark as mulch in his garden. In the fall , to his surprise, chocolatey aromas still wafted throughout the property. The aromas were still present.
Alongside his 13-year-old son, he took out his chemistry test tubes. From this inspiration, Rouge Cabosse® was born in December 2020 : the first fusion of wine and natural cocoa flavors.
In April 2020, Olivier discovered cocoa pod husks at his chocolatier neighbour's, destined to be thrown away. Concerned about ecology, he spread the husks as mulch in his garden.
A few months later, to his surprise, the cocoa aromas were still present, powerful and persistent.
An idea then emerged: what if cocoa could meet red wine?
The former chemist brought out his test tubes alongside his 13-year-old son. After more than 5 months of research, they finally found the perfect balance.
In December 2020, Rouge Cabosse® was born: a unique creation combining red wine with natural cocoa aromas.
The first productions were made with a local wine from the Lambesc region, using an artisanal and confidential approach.
From 2020 to 2025, Rouge Cabosse® remained a discreet creation. Olivier produced series of about 400 bottles, sold exclusively in his wine shop, without imagining the potential of this atypical creation.
Then, as often happens in this story, chance takes over. In January 2024, a friend of Frédéric Chanal stumbles upon Rouge Cabosse® in Olivier's cellar and leaves with a bottle under her arm.
She doesn't think about it again. Until the weekend of August 15, 2024, when, at a party with friends, she takes out the bottle and places it on the table with a cheese board. Frédéric is there. He tastes it. And it all begins.
Where many would have seen an original creation, Frédéric immediately perceives the potential of a true brand capable of establishing itself far beyond a local cellar.
An entrepreneur and business strategist, he then structures the project, founds Inno Wine, acquires the brand, and begins its development with a clear ambition: to make Rouge Cabosse® an essential signature, both in France and internationally.
True to his desire to offer an exceptional product, Frédéric chose to move upmarket by selecting an AOP Côtes du Rhône base made from three grape varieties, bringing more character, structure and elegance to Rouge Cabosse®.
Production is now entrusted to the Brasserie des Maltfaiteurs in Marseille, where oenologists and zythologists ensure consistent quality.
Very quickly, Rouge Cabosse® caught the attention of the gastronomic world: selection at the Salon du Bon by Thierry Marx's team, recognition from Edmond Gasser (Maison Anne-Sophie Pic) and Hasnaâ Ferreira, world chocolate champion.
Today, Rouge Cabosse® relies on over 100 partners in France: wine merchants, delicatessens, chocolatiers, cheesemongers and gourmet restaurants.
--
Rouge Cabosse® was not born from a plan.
It was born from a meeting of science, nature and audacity.