Discover our familial wine estate at Courthézon, in the department of Vaucluse, at the very heart of
the Châteauneuf-du-Pape lands.

The Vaucluse, a suitable territory for the cultivation of vine and the elaboration of wine

Situated in the heart of southern Rhône Valley, Vaucluse offers a perfect environment for the
viticulture. Its mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers, generous sunshine and
influence of the wind called “Mistral”, stimulates good maturity of the grapes and reduces naturally
some diseases. In that context, many wine estates in Vaucluse have been born and kept progressing
over the centuries.

Geological abundance of the territory permits a large diversity of grounds: large pebbles, clay, chalky
deposits… Each kind of grounds gives to the wine a different expression, a proper typicity.
This unique and natural heritage makes the Vaucluse as a well-balanced ground between power,
finesse and complexity.

Fontavin estate grows its vines on some local appellations, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of
the most famous in the Vaucluse. Through its organic wines, our estate promoted different
particularities of the terroirs, in respect with nature paces and the characteristics of each parcel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape : an iconic appellation of Vaucluse

Indispensable reference of Rhône vineyard, the appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape incarnates the
wine history of Vaucluse. Its name dates back XIVe century, when popes of Avignon established their
summer residence on this hill. They contributed to forge the cultivation of the vine and to make
known the wine above and beyond the region.

The « Terroir » of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is unique and gives birth to powerful, deep and elegant
wines. Climate is hot and dry, balanced by the wind called “Mistral”, helps for a complete maturation
of the grapes.

Fontavin estate, wine estate of Vaucluse in organic agriculture, elaborates some wines from the
appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The diversity of cultivated parcels allows to make wines with a
balanced bodied, expressing the richness of the ground and the identity of the vintage.

With its traditional grapes (grenache, syrah, mourvèdre…), its requirements and its unique story,
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a high emblem of the wine culture in the Vaucluse.

The Fontavin estate, familial wine estate in the Vaucluse.

Rooted in the wine landscape of Vaucluse, Fontavin estate cultivates the vine since several
generations. Today, the estate has 45 hectares split on eight municipalities, with a significant
presence of appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise.

The estate management is still familial. Hélène, with the help of Agathe and Jean-Baptiste, takes care
of the continuity of the heritage, while pushing forward practices. Since 2008, the estate is entirely
converted in organic agriculture, with a special attention to health of the grounds, biodiversity and
the balance of ecosystems.

Ways of vinification depend of each parcel, in the respect of the fruit and the vintage. Fontavin estate
differs from others as a wine estate of Vaucluse engaged, having heritage, the looking of the living
and the constant research of balance for its wines.

An organic viticulture, respectful of grounds and cycles

The choice of an organic agriculture at Fontavin estate is first a deep approach. Converted in 2008,
the wine estate favours practices which respect naturals balances : sodding, mechanical work of the
ground, treatments based from copper, sulphur and vegetables preparations.

This approach serves to reinforce natural resistance of the vine, limit inputs, preserve microbial life of
grounds. Work is more rigorous, but it allows to understand more about each parcel and to cultivate
healthy grapes, with a rich aromatic expression.

In our cave, this philosophy goes on, we’re not very interventionist with ours ways of vinification,
which are adapted to the vintage. In a climatic context moving constantly, this engaged viticulture
allows to Fontavin estate to make authentic wines under its origins, especially in the Châteauneuf-
du-Pape appellation, which respect of the “terroir” is essential.

Our wines: Expression of the Vaucluse Terroirs

Wines from Fontavin estate are the authentic reflection of grounds and climatic conditions of the
Vaucluse. Each wine is elaborated for having identity of the “terroir”, without tricks, just an accurate
work at the vine and the cave.

The estate produces red, white and pink wines, from several famous appellations :

Châteauneuf-du-Pape : powerful and well-balanced red wines, carried by the greatness of Grenache
and the richness of large pebbles.

Vacqueyras : Full-bodied and hearty wines, on clay-limestone soils

Gigondas : wines with more freshness, thanks to chalky deposits of the “Dentelles de Montmirail”.

Beaumes-de-Venise : Smoothness and grace on hillsides terroirs.

Côtes-du-Rhône and Vins de France : Aromatic and good value wines, perfect for simple and daily
pairing with meals.

All our wines are certificated on organic agriculture. They express the involvement of the wine estate
in Vaucluse to produce authentic wines, respectful of the ground and of people who drinks it.