Thierry Tastu campaigns for sustainable viticulture in Languedoc

Thierry Tastu began a second life 20 years ago. After an initial position in the civil service with the Montpellier Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he promoted the entire region internationally, he took over the reins of Domaine de Fontenelles following his mother's death. He tells us about his career change into winemaking and speaks of his pride in working at the family estate to create Corbières wines with respect for the environment.

Thierry Tastu: a 63-year-old winemaker who is still very active in the vineyards of Domaine de Fontenelles

At 63 years old today, my energy is still boundless. Twenty years ago, I left my international career behind to take over Domaine de Fontenelles after my mother's death. This estate, located in Douzens , in the heart of the Corbières appellation , on the famous Alaric mountain, has been a family business for five generations. My son, now a notary, would also like to carry on the tradition… and it will happen at his own pace and, above all, when he wants!

The family's primary goal is to ensure the estate's future... and the old Carignan and Mourvèdre vines, planted by my grandfather over 80 years ago, are proof of that. I'm very proud of these old vines; they're our family heritage.

The pursuit of quality and respect for the environment at Domaine de Fontenelles

When I took over the estate, I surrounded myself with the best partners for our various departments: winemaking, bottling, logistics, and marketing. I still work today with the same rigor I had when I was at the Montpellier Chamber of Commerce and Industry, always prioritizing quality. Low yields, sustainable farming practices, hand-harvesting, traceability … We made choices, and we stand by them. We want to prioritize respect for the environment and traditions, while ensuring customer satisfaction time and again. For example, at Domaine de Fontenelles, we have a very advanced approach with environmental certification such as ISO 26000 for wastewater treatment. In fact, we were one of the first to implement it in the region. And the Alaric mountain rewards us handsomely. This terroir, renowned for its wines, offers Domaine de Fontenelles (on 40 ha) 5 cuvées which regularly win world competitions, whether on the AOP Corbières or on the IGP Côteaux de Miramont!

Domaine de Fontenelles wines are available in Europe, China, Japan & Russia

Another of my passions is travel. It was therefore quite natural that the estate turned to exporting, which ultimately makes the presence of our wines rather rare in France, except on the Les Grappes website! However, throughout Europe, Russia, Japan, and China , you will find Domaine de Fontenelles wines at the best wine shops and restaurants .

I've always traveled all over the world with the Montpellier Chamber of Commerce and Industry. My wife, Nelly, on the other hand, isn't too keen on it. Over time, I've reduced my travel, but I haven't given up on international connections. In fact, my wife and I have converted rooms on the estate to accommodate our clients. Today, the world comes to visit us. The art of hospitality is truly a way of life at Fontenelles. Our current project is to expand the wine cellar and build a reception area to host groups of more than 20 people and thus share our passion with a wider audience.

Find the wines of Domaine de Fontenelles ( Languedoc) on Les Grappes

Stephanie (Les Grappes)