Fabre family: the new 100% female generation takes over.

The Fabre family has been established in the Languedoc region for generations. Each generation has left its mark on the Languedoc terroir. Louis Fabre was for many years the captain of the entire family's ship. By preserving the best of the past and embracing the future, he instilled a drive, dynamism, and work ethic that benefits all five family estates. Today, his twin daughters, Clémence and Jeanne, and their cousin, Paule, are preparing to take over. With the addition of a new château and a new appellation to the family portfolio, this renewal promises to create exceptional wines to be enjoyed in a convivial atmosphere.

The Fabre Family: one of the oldest winegrowing families in the Languedoc appellations.

Their names are Claire, Louis, Clémence, Jeanne, and Paule. These names resonate in our minds when we think of the Fabre family: a historic family in the Languedoc region . Louis has been at the helm since 1982. A nature lover, he converted the entire vineyard to organic farming , obtaining Ecocert certification in 1992, and then HVE level 3 certification in 2014.

Thanks to several properties, five in total, the wine range is very diverse, reflecting the beauty of the Languedoc region. For example, Château Fabre Gasparets allows the family to produce AOC Cobières-Boutenac wines ; an exceptional appellation yielding concentrated, rich, and delicate wines with excellent aging potential. Château de Luc, meanwhile, is located in the heart of Cathar country; Louis and his wife settled there more than 30 years ago, after the birth of their eldest daughters. They primarily produce AOC Corbières wines, including the "Les Jumelles" range; three cuvées produced in homage to Clémence and Jeanne (available in our online shop). Today, it is at "Luc" that the family welcomes wine tourists seeking new discoveries. Finally, Château Coulon (Cruscades), Domaine Grande Courtade ( Béziers ) and Château La Tour de Rieux (Rieux) complete the family's range of terroirs and AOCs by enabling the production of IGP Pays d'Oc and AOC Minervois.

The Fabre Family winemakers: between modernity and tradition

Louis is the emblematic figure of this winemaking family: a curious scientist, but also passionate about poetry and history, he is committed to preserving the heritage he inherited from his family. History, family, and transmission are at the heart of the work and expertise of this human-scale business. At Château de Luc, you'll find a tiny room, a veritable museum, that testifies to the importance placed on the past… “We have many inventors in the family: my great-grandfather created a colorimeter. He also invented the ‘Wagonnets’: small wagons on rails that still allow us today to transport the harvest to the vat without damaging the grapes. In 2016, we released two IGP Pays d'Oc wines in homage to this wonderful invention, ” explains Jeanne Fabre. Louis is keen to pass on this DNA to his daughters, who are gradually taking over the reins of the family estate. Jeanne tells us: “ Technology is like a stained-glass window that lets the sunlight through.” It should enhance and elevate the taste of the terroir and the grapes in the wine, not hide it and thus standardize the bottles.

With the help of its two oenologists, Stéphane Yerle and Bernard Rehs, the Fabre family is embracing innovation and enthusiastically embarking on various experiments. The latest? The use of polymer eggs for aging red wines, currently in the testing phase.

The energy and enthusiasm of the new generation

Louis is gradually passing the torch to the next generation: Clémence, Jeanne, and Paule, respectively Louis's daughters and niece, have returned to their roots to take over the family business. After their studies, wonderful travels, and various experiences in the working world, they have returned, motivated, full of energy and determination, to the family farm.

Clémence, based in Hong Kong, is in charge of developing exports to the Asian market. Jeanne wants to promote wine tourism at Château de Luc and in the Corbières region in general, after an exciting professional experience in South America. Finally, Paule, after returning from England, decided to contribute by taking charge of the accounting. Every day, Louis passes on his knowledge, skills, secrets, and work philosophy to them, before he can retire and let the women "navigate" the business on their own.

The newest member of the family: Château La Tour de Rieux

Jeanne, Clémence, and Paule will inherit five properties, including Château La Tour de Rieux, which has recently joined the list of châteaux and appellations cultivated by the Fabre family. "The Minervois Adventure" begins with the gradual restoration of the vineyard. Today, approximately ten hectares planted with a mix of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah are under cultivation. True to their convictions and their vision of wine, the Fabres are taking the time to learn, understand, and discover the full potential of these new lands. The 2016 vintage is the first to offer a Minervois AOC wine, bearing the charming name "Bergerie de Rieux." Of course, the family's projects don't stop there, and we strongly encourage you to follow them closely!

Contact :

Address: 1, rue du Château 11 200 Luc sur Orbieu

Website: https://www.famillefabre.com/

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Email: info@famille-fabre.com

Manon Mouly (for Les Grappes )