Château Fontarèche is one of the most historic estates in the Languedoc, having been in the Mignard family since 1642 and currently owned by Jacques De Lamy. Winemaker Vincent Dubernet, the second generation of his family to take the reins, continues the legacy of producing exceptional wines at this celebrated estate.

Surrounded by 160 hectares of sustainably farmed vines and 10 hectares of forest, Château Fontarèche’s vineyards lie on an ancient limestone terrace, where the combination of gravel and limestone soil, covered by large pebbles, provides ideal conditions for the vines. With water absorbed quickly but not retained well, the vines face Mediterranean heat, so irrigation channels surrounding the estate ensure that the vines reach full physiological ripeness, resulting in wines with vibrancy and supple tannins. The wine is crafted from the oldest vines, including a parcel of Carignan planted in 1962, and benefits from traditional winemaking methods including semi-carbonic maceration and temperature-controlled fermentation.

For a more distinguished experience, the Vieilles Vignes offers a blend from the oldest Carignan, Syrah, and Mourvèdre vines, including a plot planted in 1962. This wine undergoes semi-carbonic maceration for a soft tannin structure and is fermented and aged in stainless steel. It presents a fragrant profile dominated by blackberry fruit, with a fresh herbal finish. The ‘Cuvée Pierre Mignard’ Corbières, a tribute to the artist Pierre Mignard, is a Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah blend that shows the complexity of this historic estate.

The estate practices sustainable viticulture, minimising the use of chemicals and relying on natural methods to preserve the health of the vineyard ecosystem. This approach helps to maintain biodiversity and improve the overall quality of the grapes.

This wine shows a deep garnet colour, with rich aromas of black fruits and sweet spices. On the palate, it offers juicy, full-bodied fruit, with the Syrah contributing bright fruit and spice, while the Carignan provides a firm tannic structure, making this an exceptionally well-balanced and structured Corbières.

This wine pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially lamb or beef, and would complement dishes like slow-roasted pork with rosemary or a hearty ratatouille. Its vibrant fruit and spice make it a perfect match for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.