Domaine de Fondrèche

Introduction to the Domaine de Fondrèche

The Domaine de Fondrèche is located in the heart of the Côtes du Ventoux appellation. It is run by Nanou Barthélémy and Sébastien Vincenti. The objective of the two winemakers is to produce great wines, while enhancing their terroir. They look for all the tricks to exploit the land, without exhausting it.

Always on the lookout for ecological processes, they have installed photovoltaic panels to produce non-polluting electricity. Cellar water treatment is also beneficial to the environment.

The estate is conducted in organic farming. Decoctions and infusions of plants have replaced synthetic phytosanitary products. The biodiversity is thus preserved. Legumes are used as green manures. They improve the structure of the soil and protect it from weeds.

The interventions are programmed according to the lunar calendar, which helps to reinforce the natural defenses of the vine. Logically, harvesting is done by hand.

The Domaine de Fondrèche vineyard

The Domaine de Fondrèche vineyard covers 40 hectares. 34 hectares are dedicated to red wine and 6 hectares are reserved for white wine. The average annual production is 160,000 bottles. The average age of the vines is 40 years.

The red grape varieties are: Grenache (40%), Syrah (40%), Mourvèdre (10%) and Carignan (10%).

The white grape varieties are: Clairette (50%), Grenache (25%) and Roussanne (25%).

The estate is separated into three main parts, in order to reserve one terroir per color. The grape varieties for the red wine are planted on the historic Fondrèche plateau. Its soil is very stony and chalky, consisting of rolled pebbles, flint and crystalline.

It is covered by a sandy-clay texture. The thermal amplitudes and the air corridor that form a permanent air current participate in the making of deep wines, possessing a remarkable mineral framework.

The more chalky part of the Domaine de Fondrèche vineyard is reserved for the production of white wines. Finally, the last large parcel, planted on a sand and silt soil, is used for the production of rosé wines.

The wines of Domaine de Fondrèche

Ventoux White

Domaine de Fondrèche's white Ventoux is a blend of 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 30% Clairette and 10% Rolle.

It is a very floral wine, perfumed by hawthorn, honeysuckle and acacia flowers. Its color is golden yellow, quite pale. The nose also exhales flavors of vanilla and citrus fruits. The wine is invigorating; it benefits from a minerality and salinity that grant it a delicious freshness.

Persia red

The red Persia vintage is composed of 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. The wine displays an intense purple color. The nose evokes smells of field herbs and pepper.

The palate is fruity, with blackberry and blueberry dominating. Persia is crisp and rather full-bodied. It is an intense wine that offers a long, lingering finish.