Wine estate since 1928
Our Story
A pioneer of organic farming in Domazan (at the southern tip of the Rhône Valley), Château des Coccinelles has excelled in organic wine production for three generations.
This estate has belonged to the FABRE family since 1928. It is both a pleasure and a real challenge for them to combine their passion for wine with cultivation methods that respect the environment.
Winegrower, producer and harvester
Our Estate
It is in Domazan, in the south of the southern Rhône valley and close to the most beautiful historical sites, between the Pont d'Avignon and the Pont du Gard, that the Château des Coccinelles is located.
The estate covers 80 hectares which extend around the Signargues plateau, a terroir of excellence, which is distinguished by its exceptional geological history. Facing south/southeast and swept by the mistral 200 days a year, this ancient bed of the Rhône has the same rolled pebbles as its prestigious neighbor Châteauneuf-du-Pape. But its uniqueness lies in the composition of its soil, more clayey in depth than on the surface, which provides a buffer effect and allows a water supply to the vines. A major asset which has all its importance in the balance and finesse of the wines.
Our Terroir
The vineyard is located on a clay-limestone soil covered with rolled pebbles, primarily producing Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne, and Chardonnay grape varieties. To preserve the quality of its soils, the estate focuses on organic farming. "We officially obtained organic certification in 1978, even though we practiced this cultivation method long before," specifies Jean-Baptiste MANGIN, co-manager of the estate. All chemical inputs are banned from the "Organic Agriculture" specifications.
TEAM ON SITE
Multiple generations involved...
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1928
Gabriel FABRE
The founder
Gabriel FABRE lays the last stone of the current farmhouse. Legend has it that this farmhouse was built thanks to a cherry harvest... René FABRE was born within its walls the following year.
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1950
René FABRE
Marie-Claire FABRE
The Visionaries
At just 21, René took over the estate, which was still polycultural: vines, cherries, and apricots (the elders still remember the quality of his fruits). He married Marie-Claire in 1961, who would notably be responsible for winemaking. A woman in the cellars at that time? Heresy! But that was just the beginning… René and Marie-Claire had a pioneering idea: Organic farming!
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1978
OBTAINING THE ``ORGANIC AGRICULTURE`` LABEL
Since 1974, the estate has participated in the 1st international congress of “Nature and Progress” which welcomed 15,000 people including 170 journalists.
In 1978, at the request of this association, the first external controls allowed the establishment of the first official “Nature and Progress” certificates. The first labels with the words “organic cultivation” are printed.
30 years before everyone else, against all odds, the movement is underway.
A tray of cherries is offered to the Minister of Agriculture at the same time as the first organic specifications.
The name “Domaine des Coccinelles” was chosen. -
1999
“THE BUILDERS”
Raymond FABRE takes over the management of the property.
He expanded and modernized the wine cellars. His sister Christine develops marketing. Château des Coccinelles wines can now be tasted in 3 colors. -
2007
“THE TEAM IN PLACE”
Paul-Henri FABRE takes control with his brother-in-law Jean-Baptiste MANGIN. Under their leadership, the domain will further improve in quality. The production is now available in 12 vintages and can be enjoyed around the world.
A cherry tree will be replanted as a sign of respect and recognition of the work of the elders.
