FRA_GG_N45-WEB

LANGUEDOC
– FUTURE –
Being a co-operative group does not prevent Vignobles
Foncalieu from promoting a sense of lifestyle
Vignobles Foncalieu are dyed-in-the-wool
innovators, as evidenced by the new varieties
Artaban and Vidoc that go into their Nu.Vo.Té.
label. Made organically, with no added sulphites,
the varieties are produced through pollination, or
sexual reproduction. They match the typicity of
Languedoc wines and tomorrow’s climate
back over a decade. Founded in 1967 in Arzens, Aude,
Vignobles Foncalieu posts turnover of €47 million
from its 7,850 hectares under vine, and embraces
Celliers du Nouveau Monde in Puichéric; Vignerons de
la Cité de Carcassonne; Vignerons du Pays d’Ensérune
near Béziers; the La Redorte & Castelnau d’Aude
winery; and the Montagnac co-operative in Hérault.
The group has swapped widespread use of pesticides
for alternative methods, whilst also choosing to
plant resistant varieties from 2007. After a period
of experimentation followed by conclusive trials,
Vignobles Foncalieu marketed 3,200 bottles of wines
from its first crop of resistant varieties in 2018. Called
NU.VO.TÉ, the wine is red and made from new French
varieties Artaban and Vidoc, which are still very much
under the radar.
Since 2020, the wine has been certified organic and
Vignobles Foncalieu expects to produce 15,000 bottles.
“The varieties have the ability to ward off the main
vine diseases and offer a response to challenging
weather. However, it is still difficult to find markets
for the wines, even if countries like Finland take an
open-minded approach to them. Vignobles Foncalieu
is delighted to have found an environmental solution,
but is also giving thought to the style of future labels.
“In 2021, we are focusing on rosé and are considering
producing fashionable styles such as Pet’Nat, a natural
sparkling wine”, reveals Gabriel Ruetsch, agronomic
manager at Vignobles Foncalieu.
With 62 ha of resistant vines, the group is ahead of
the curve for innovation. More importantly, it has
reduced sprays and secured organic status for all of
its resistant Artaban and Vidoc vines for the reds. For
the whites, the German (Souvigné gris) and Italian
(Soreli) varieties are already being grown, whilst the
winemaking process for Floréal is being examined.
“Depending on the vintage, no more than two or three
plant protection treatments are used, compared with
eight for vineyards farmed organically. Results with
the Nu.Vo.Té label are encouraging. The 12°5 red wine
shows a tight-knit texture and great natural acidity”,
comments Ruetsch.
30 AUTUMN 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE