An eminent name in the Languedoc winegrowing region where they have been cultivating the land since the 17th century, the Famille Fabre are passionate winemakers who have been perfecting their techniques for over fourteen generations. They have great respect for the environment, committed to bringing out the best of their terroir through rigorous plot selection, cultivation and ageing technique of the grapes.

Now run by Clémence Fabre and husband Louis-Jacques, the family own five vineyards under the appelations, Minervois,  Corbières, Boutenac, as well as IGP Pays d’Oc and Vin de France.

Since 1991 Louis Fabre has pioneered organic grape farming becoming one of the first Languedoc winemakers to go green and continues to explore eco-conscious methods and solutions – “Quality is not a state, it is a path.”

For generations Famille Fabre has cultivated an innate sense of invention and innovation through new vintages, carbonic maceration, natural and sparkling wines. From bud to grape, vine to bottle, it’s an intimate and respectful relationship with nature.

Clémence Fabre and her husband Louis- Jacques are releasing a selection of four inspiring and diverse wines to celebrate the Festive season.

Le Rendez-vous: an alcohol-free Muscat with plenty of character

New this year, this is the first non-alcoholic wine produced by the Famille Fabre. De-alcoholised by vacuum distillation, “this Muscat has a very refreshing ginger ale character and no shortage of texture”, says Clémence Fabre.

Eye | Pale yellow colour with golden highlights.
Nose | Intense apricot notes, ginger and citrus.
Mouth | Silky mouthfeel, white-fleshed fruit. Delicate bubbles.
Finish| Balanced, soft and fresh.

Food and wine pairing : Aperitif, with ceviche or fresh fruit salad.

The Taste Test:

Le Rendez-vous has a very subtle taste of crisp red apple and pear, fortunately without the sweetness typical of low-no alcohol sparkling wines.  Extremely light with a delicate mousse.  It lacks the depth of character of a Cremant, but for those who wish to avoid alcohol it’s a refreshing Fizz to sip on its own or with seafood and other savoury canapés.

Terrasses de Lézignan: an exceptional Cru

A new wine from Château Coulon, this Syrah-driven red is balanced through whole-berry fermentation of Carignan, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre, a tribute to the quality of the terroir – Chateau Coulon has been certified organic since 1991.

Eye | Ruby colour with violet highlights.
Nose | Intense nose of olive, fennel and spices.
Mouth | Concentrated, silky, spicy wine, morello cherry.
Finish | Sustained with notes of sandalwood and black fruits.

The Taste Test:

Terrasses de Lézignan (ABV 14.5%) is a delectable wine offering juicy plum, fig and blackberry fruitiness which dances on the taste buds. Satin smooth, savour very slowly to detect a slight olive saltiness, a hint of oaky, earthy, herbal Vermouth, balanced with rich mocha notes.

Food and wine pairing : grilled côte de boeuf, roast lamb,venison, beef tartar, or braised camembert

Camin: a great orange wine produced in a limited edition

‘Camin’ in the Occitan language means Pathway and is the name of the vineyard where the vine grows. A three week vinification process for the skin maceration of Viognier grapes followed by careful ageing in a 1,000 litre dolium, a large earthenware vessel.

Eye | yellow colour.
Nose | Delicate white flower, jasmine, pear.
Mouth | Intense mouth rich and mineral.
Finish | Very long finish.

Food and wine pairing : spicy curry, tuna, mackerel, bouillabaisse, truffle pasta, or pear tatin

The Taste Test:

Camin Orange wine (ABV 14%) is delightfully complex with a fresh citrus, sweet coconut and floral fragrance on the nose, followed by a rich concentrated taste blending apricot & peach, sultanas, toasted hazelnut, fennel and zesty orange peel. A lingering bittersweet, dry finish with balanced minerality.

Vranja – artisanal Pet Nat (pétillant naturel) that redefines cider

After training in Normandy, Switzerland and Luxembourg cider houses, “little brother” of the family, André Fabre returned to Languedoc in 2022 and has since developed his own cider house. He produces the Vranja cuvée, a natural sparkling wine made from quince, apple and pear. The name comes from the Vranja quince, an Avrolles apple and finely crafted to present delicate bubbles and tangy aromas.

The Taste Test:

Rich amber in colour, Vranja (ABV 5%) has a cloudy, frothy foam, bursting with fresh, juicy orchard fruits, a real cider punch, sharp, tart, tangy sweetness and a refined alternative to a traditional English apple cider.  For food pairing, it would be the ideal balance for eoR savoury snacks and in particular cut through the pungent flavour of goat’s cheese.

Wine Paris, 2025

From 10 to 12 February 2025 at Wine Paris, Famille Fabre will be present their own Stand to showcase their unique and special wines as well as commitment to the environment.

“As owners of 5 estates in the Languedoc region, we’re not tied to a specific appellation. During Wine Paris we can showcase our entire range, including beers from the Béziers brewer Alaryk as well as juices and ciders from my brother André” Clémence Fabre.

A pioneer in Agroecology, the Famille Fabre has taken exemplary initiatives for sustainable farming that works with nature and relationships between plants, animals, people and environment: These are a few of their projects:

Creation of nurseries and orchards: pear, quince and apricot trees flourish guaranteeing a diverse and resilient production; Planting of resistant grape varieties: Floréal, Sauvignac and Souvignier Gris ensure respectful viticulture to cope with climatic challenges; Agroforestry: hedges and various trees (thyme, pistachio, and almond) surround the plots, providing a balance between the crops and the local ecosystem; Fighting desertification: sustainable irrigation and cover crops (mustard, legumes) for soil management to keep the land alive and fertile.

Famille Fabre wines are imported by Boutinot, Ellis of Richmond, Tolchard, Les Vins de Sylvain.  The Camin wine is available at Bobo Wines.

‘Here we come a-wassailing, Among the leaves so green;

Here we come a-wand’ring, So fair to be seen.

Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too;

And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year’.

The ancient British tradition of Wassailing (the origination of Carol singing), was enjoyed by revellers at Christmas-time visiting orchards to bless the apple trees and drink a toast of Hot Cider –  the word ‘wassail’ is derived from the Old English ‘was hál’, meaning ‘be hale’ or ‘good health’.

While Mulled Wine is now more popular here at Christmas time, Hot spiced cider (with cinnamon, star anise, clove, allspice, orange rind and perhaps a tot of rum) is the traditional winter warmer in the United States over the Holiday season.

So perhaps ring the changes with Vranja quince cider served warm with a medley of mellow spices for a delicious Christmas punch.

Cheers! & Sante! this Festive season.