Four wines from Languedoc’s Famille Fabre

Famille Fabre, fourteenth generation winemakers dating back to 1605, own five chateaux in the Languedoc region of France where, with respect for the environment and the integrity of their profession, they seek to bring out the best of their terroir through rigorous plot selection, and cultivation, together with the ageing and vinification techniques of the grapes.

A pioneer in agroecology, the Famille Fabre has taken exemplary initiatives:

• Creation of nurseries and orchards: pear, quince and apricot trees flourish under André Fabre’s supervision, 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) are at the forefront of soil management to keep the land alive and fertile.
• Trialling the introduction of biochar, an organic fertiliser that promotes root growth, nutrient absorption and soil biodiversity, whilst helping to regulate temperature, thereby protecting the vines from extreme climatic variations.

They say:

Famille Fabre maintains an intimate and respectful relationship with nature. Since 1991 Louis Fabre has pioneered the conversion to organic grape farming, becoming one of the first Languedoc winemakers to go green. He continues to prioritise and develop eco-conscious farming and winemaking, exploring new methods and always looking for new solutions to the environmental problems we face. “Quality is not a state, it is a path.” This spirit of the “wine explorer” pushes us into the vineyards, and there, sowing and planting a culture of diversification.

For generations Famille Fabre has cultivated an innate sense of invention and innovation. From André Fabre’s harvest ‘wagonnets’ to Louis Andrieu’s ‘colorimètre’ used to measure the colour of wine, an openness to new ideas has become the backbone of their commitment to quality. Each year presents a game with new rules. The freshly harvested grapes set the tone and the creative winemaker imagines new vintages; carbonic maceration, natural and sparkling wines… the possibilities are endless.

A heart line more than a bloodline, Famille Fabre is made up of many talented individuals with a common ambition. They have built their family history upon the values of authenticity and generosity. From vine to bottle, from bud to grape, from must to wine, people everywhere are humble servants of a sometimes capricious but always generous Nature.

As owners of 5 estates in the Languedoc region, we produce wines under the appellations Minervois, Corbières, Boutenac, as well as IGP Pays d’Oc and Vin de France. The fact that we’re not tied to a specific appellation means we can showcase our entire range, including beers from the Béziers brewer Alaryk, to whom we supply barley and hops that we grow on our land, as well as juices and ciders from my brother André”, explains Clémence Fabre.

Famille Fabre wines are imported by Boutinot, Ellis of Richmond, Tolchard, Les Vins de Sylvain; the Camin is available at Bobo Wines in BIB format.

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

New this year, Le Rendez-vous is also 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. It’s a great alternative to be paired with ceviche or a fresh fruit salad.

I say:

pale sandy yellow; apricot, florality and citrus; light and fresh with lifted orchard and white stone fruits, bruised apple and ginger; delicate mousse and a savoury finish.

Drinks nicely on first opening.

Thoroughly pleasant.

Serve as an aperitif or match with with light starters.

Vranja: the artisanal Pet Nat that redefines cider

They say:

After training in Normandy, Switzerland and Luxembourg cider houses, “little brother” André Fabre returned to his native 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, with delicate bubbles and tangy aromas that make it an original drink for the festive season.

I say: 5% ALC/ VOL deep amber and cloudy with enthusiastic foam; decadent, complex, bruised orchard fruits; fresh, lively and tangy-savoury with a clean finish. Drinks nicely on first opening; cellar for greater complexity. Thoroughly pleasant+.

Enjoy as a quaffer or match with savoury foods, such as chicken-and-leek pie or goat’s cheese tart.

Camin: a great orange wine in limited edition, 1,000L per year

They say:

Camin is one of the estate’s hidden gems, with a very special vinification process: three weeks’ skin maceration of Viognier followed by careful ageing in a 1,000 litre dolium. The result is a surprising nose of coconut, curry and candied orange peel with a complex palate: a perfect patch for a curry or a bouillabaisse. Camin means “path” in Occitan, which is also the name of the parcel in the heart of the Boutenac terroir.

I say: deep amber / topaz; citrus, sultana, dried apricot and dried yellow flowers; fresh and citrussy with yuzu, grapefruit, toasted hazelnut, sultanas, mixed fruit, fennel and roasted orange peel; grilled, savoury notes with concentrated, intense complexity.

Drinks nicely on first opening, opens up with aeration and can be cellared.

Very Good.

A versatile savoury food wine, match with umami foods, such as tuna carpaccio, truffle pasta or roast guinea fowl.

Others say:

Le Camin our orange wine by the expert Simon J Woolf ~ Famille Fabre

Terrasses de Lézignan: an exceptional cru in the process of being officially recognised

They say:

A new wine from Château Coulon, this Syrah-driven red reveals aromas of black pepper, dark chocolate and figs, with a long, persistent finish. A perfect match for a grilled côte de boeuf or a braised camembert. A tribute to the quality of its terroir, the dénomination géographique complémentaire (DGC) “Terrasses de Lézignan” should soon be granted “cru communal” status.

I say: 14.5% deep, inky purple; red and black fruits, complex oaky spice and savoury damp earth; fresh with dried red and black cherry fruit, plums, blackberries, liquorice and warming, peppery eucalyptus; harmonious, rounded and savoury with polished tannins.

Drinks nicely on first opening, opens up with aeration and can be cellared.

Good+.

Match with plain roasted red meat, such as peppered roast beef, rosemary-and-garlic lamb or venison.