Portraits of winemakers

JACQUES FRELIN VIGNOBLES, A PIONEER IN ORGANIC FARMING

Jacques Frelin Vignobles: Pioneering Organic Wine

A Legacy of Organic Innovation

In an era when environmental concerns were not yet mainstream, Jacques Frelin Vignobles has been a trailblazer in organic viticulture since 1966. The estate’s story began with Claude Jougla, the vineyard’s founder and Carole Frelin’s grandfather. After falling ill from pesticide exposure, Claude Jougla became one of the early advocates for organic farming, realizing the need to protect both the Earth and its people through healthier viticulture practices. He was ahead of his time, embracing organic methods when they were far from fashionable.

Today, Jacques Frelin, along with his daughter Carole, continues to champion the cause of organic wine. Jacques recognized the potential of organic farming as early as 1983, and with Carole joining him, the impact of climate change became a central concern for the Frelin family. Their commitment to organic farming is not just a choice but a conviction.

Jacques Frelin: An Advocate for Organic Wine

At Jacques Frelin Vignobles, the philosophy is clear: respect for the Earth and its people. The goal is to remain a pioneer and a leader in the organic wine market. Jacques Frelin’s motto, “It starts with us, each person makes a difference,” reflects his desire to inspire the entire wine industry to adopt organic practices, making organic wine the norm. This commitment is evident in numerous initiatives and responsibilities within the organic wine sector. Jacques Frelin is a co-founder of the global Millésime Bio fair, vice-president of SUDVINBIO, and provides technical and financial support to vineyards transitioning to organic agriculture.

Beyond organic cultivation, Jacques Frelin’s environmental efforts extend to other areas. The estate is working on reusing bottles to reduce energy and water consumption and supports The SeaCleaners, an organization dedicated to cleaning the oceans.

Jacques Frelin Vignobles: A Diverse Range of Organic Wines

At Jacques Frelin Vignobles, where the team is notably composed of 90% women, customer satisfaction is a driving force. The estate offers a diverse selection of around thirty cuvées, each unique and delicious. From the expressive and flavorful Hérisson Malin cuvées to the complex Pic Saint Loup and the elegant cuvées n° 35, there’s a wine to suit every taste. All the wines are 100% organic, offering the best quality-to-price ratio possible.

To highlight just one, the Hérisson Malin Sauvignon Blanc stands out. It features intense aromas of citrus and blackcurrant bud, with a lively and expressive character. This wine embodies Carole Frelin’s spirited and energetic personality—she fondly recalls her childhood days of jumping barefoot into the tractor bin to crush grapes!

With a legacy rooted in innovation and a future focused on sustainability, Jacques Frelin Vignobles continues to set standards in organic viticulture, offering exceptional wines that reflect their commitment to quality and the environment.