Portraits of winemakers

LES VINS DE FONTFROIDE

The History of Domaine des Vins de Fontfroide

A Legacy of Sweet Wines

In the 14th century, the Fontfroide Abbey produced a sweet wine (likely a fortified wine made from local and ancient grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc and Noir) that was even served at the table of the Popes of Avignon. Pope Benedict XII, who was also a former Abbot of Fontfroide, had his own wine sent for him, which he considered superior to the wines from the prestigious terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape ! Despite two periods of abandonment (from 1792 to 1848 and from 1901 to 1908), the winemaking tradition at Fontfroide has managed to persist and continue to this day.

In 1908, the great-grandparents of the current owner, both from prominent winemaking families in the region, undertook the restoration of the abbey without focusing much on viticulture. It was fate, following a fire in 1986, that allowed Fontfroide to reconnect with winemaking by replanting vines on the old plots once cultivated by the monks.

A Historic Estate in Untouched Nature

Set in a protected natural setting classified as a Natura 2000 zone, the Domaine de l’Abbaye de Fontfroide is a place rich in history and passion for viticulture. Nestled in a green haven, the Domaine des Vins de Fontfroide is surrounded by hills dotted with pine forests and garrigues with enchanting aromas. The vineyards and the abbey’s stones testify to centuries past and the hard work of the lay brothers. The plots, ditches, and stone walls along the path to the abbey are all remnants of the past, reminding visitors of the unique heritage of the Domaine des Vins de Fontfroide.

Today, the estate operates under High Environmental Value level 3 and Terra Vitis certifications, reflecting its commitment to environmental preservation. Environmental respect and a desire to practice sustainable viticulture are central values at Domaine des Vins de Fontfroide. Additionally, all gardens and the rose garden are certified organic, and the site is labeled as a refuge for the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds). The estate is also involved in bee protection with the establishment of over a hundred beehives on the property.

Fontfroide: Fruity, Fresh, and Finesse-filled Wines

After living in Paris for 35 years and working as a lawyer, the current owner, Laure De Chevron Villette, returned to her native land in 2004 to become a winemaker at Fontfroide Abbey. The influence of her husband, the son of a Côtes de Provence winemaker, on the Fontfroide estate was a key factor in this radical life change! Today, the growing demand for wine tourism is driving Domaine de Fontfroide to expand its activities through several projects, including the creation of a tasting cellar with tours and workshops, a new winemaker’s guesthouse in the heart of the estate, and the renovation of the old stables into an event space.

The estate’s wines are characterized by the “3 Fs of Fontfroide”: Fruit, Finesse, and Freshness. These wines reflect their winemaker’s style—elegant but full of character! Among the most representative is the cuvée Deo Gratias Blanc, which demonstrates that exceptional white wines can indeed be produced in the Corbières terroirs. The region is not limited to red wines, and Deo Gratias Blanc serves as a reminder of this. This unique cuvée would surprise many in a blind tasting! Don’t wait any longer—discover this exceptional estate by ordering your bottles directly from Domaine de Fontfroide on Avenue des Vins.