The Winemaker
Famille d’Exéa
Famille d’Exéa has been a family estate in the South of France for over 200 years and is managed entirely organically, including olive trees and grains as well as vines. The vision of the estate is to respond to today’s need, working towards building a self-sustaining local community, centred around the estate. This is evident in initiatives such as their produce garden which grows vegetables to supply an onsite food-truck and the grains grown on the estate are to the preference of local bakeries. Aymeric is the director and is overseeing a talented team of young industry entrepreneurs.
VARIETIES CHOSEN FOR THE TERROIR
“The grape varieties planted in our vineyards were chosen for their affinity with each terroir, or amongst those that historically grew there, and selected for their resistance to climate change. With low intervention winemaking and a minimum of inputs, the different varieties can better express their individual specificities.”
– Aymeric Izard
Wine Region
The Famille d’Exéa winery is located in the Languedoc in the south of France, in a natural, unspoilt environment bordered by the River Aude and the Canal du Midi, at the confluence of two appellations: the Corbières, and the Minervois.
Growing VIOGNIER
This part of the South of France received plenty sunshine, contributing flavour ripeness to the grapes, whilst the cool mistral wind from the Rhône Valley to the North and tramontane winds which blow through the gap between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees allow the grapes to retain acidity and freshness. Planted on mid-level terraces, the clay, sandstone and limestone soils are perfect for varieties that offer both freshness and smooth finishes. The average age of the Viognier vines is 20 years and during harvest, the grapes are picked in the early hours of the morning to take advantage of the cool temperatures and preserve all their aromatic potential.
Working with Canned wine Co.
We’re very engaged on the environmental aspects of what we do and Canned Wine Co. offer a new way for us to look at reducing emissions. The can perfectly preserves the integrity and aromatic finesse of the wine!
– Aymeric Izard
Sustainability Initiatives
Organic & Biodynamic – Agroforestry – Biodiversity
Famille d’Exéa is a certified organic winery committed to viticultural innovation in pursuit of sustainability. The winery has recently implemented agroforestry as part of an initiative to reintroduce biodiversity to the vineyards. They remove 3 rows of vines in some blocks and replace them with one row of bushes, including cherry and pomegranate trees and lilac plants. They have promoted biodiversity across their estate, including with a large food garden, and invested in their cellar to maximise its energy efficiency. Underground irrigation mitigates water usage in the vineyards by providing water economically to the vines. Further innovation comes from planting and researching pest resistant grape varieties like Muscaris, Soreli and Souvignier Gris.
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