The Abeille-Fabre family of wines continues to expand under the stewardship of Pierre Fabre.
Our feature winery throughout October is all three of the wineries that they own, Chateau Mont-Redon in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de l’Oratoire Saint-Martin in Cairanne, and Saint Max in Provence.
Mont Redon is one continuous estate sitting at the top of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape plateau - crafting a range of wines from their home appellation as well as from around the Southern Rhone. The most recent project at their base in Châteauneuf-du-Pape has been the completion of a brand new winery. The winery is cooled by natural air-conditioning utilising a Canadian well. Warm air is circulated through pipes that are buried well below the vineyard at a depth where the ground temperature is more stable. This cool air is then used to control the temperature in the winery.
Cairanne is located not far from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, home to Pierre’s newest acquisition Domaine de l’Oratoire Saint-Martin. The style of Cairanne is very elegant with moderate fruit concentration (less than Lirac, Gigondas and of course Châteauneuf) but great length and complexity. The whites have slightly more texture than Mont-Redon style.
Domaine de l’Oratoire Saint-Martin has been farmed according to organic and biodynamic standards for ten generations. Winemaking at the estate under the previous owners, the Alary brothers, was very low interventionist - read natural. This is a philosophy that Pierre is excited to continue and explore. The estate was organic since the 90s and bio since the 2000s.
For those who have been purchasing from us for some time, you’ll recall Chateau Riotor Rose. Riotor was crafted by Mont Redon, the new name for their Provence Rose is Saint Max. Fruit for this comes off vineyards located in the inner valley of the Cuers plain, on the sides of the foothills of the Massif des Maures, and on the Arçois inland country at the foot of these same hills. This area benefits from a Mediterranean coastal influence, whilst the inland Arçois vineyards enjoy a cooler climate that yield fruit of great freshness.
You’ll find these wines gracing our tasting tables during October in all stores.
Check out the details online www.glengarry.co.nz/tastings