Domaine Fradon Guided Tour in Réaux

WINE ESTATE IN CHARENTE-MARITIME: AN EXCEPTIONAL TERROIR IN THE HEART OF PETITE CHAMPAGNE

Located in Charente-Maritime, a few kilometers from Jonzac, the wine estate extends over 40 hectares of vines cultivated with passion. Nestled in the heart of the AOC Cognac vineyard, in Petite Champagne, this terroir benefits from ideal natural conditions for the production of quality wines and spirits, with know-how passed down from generation to generation.

An exceptional terroir and diverse grape varieties

The wine estate is located on clay-limestone soil dating from the Cretaceous period, a fertile land that gives the vines unique characteristics. Located 30 kilometers from Cognac and only 5 kilometers from Jonzac, the estate benefits from an exceptional climate. Indeed, the significant sunshine, combined with the ocean air inlets, creates a perfect environment for growing grape varieties and obtaining the acidity level necessary for distillation.

On these 40 hectares, the vines are divided between white and red grape varieties, with a majority of Ugni Blanc (77%), which constitutes the essential base for the production of cognac. Added to this are white grape varieties such as Sauvignon (7%), Folle Blanche (3%) and Colombard (2%), as well as red grape varieties such as Merlot (6%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%).

A recognized production of Cognac and Pineau des Charentes

The estate is classified as Petite Champagne, the second growth of cognac, and offers three distinct appellations: AOC Cognac Petite Champagne, AOC Pineau des Charentes and IGP Vin Charentais. Each stage of production is carried out with the greatest care, from the cultivation of the vines to the distillation, including aging in oak barrels in the cellar.

The AOC Cognac Petite Champagne is renowned for its elegant and refined eaux-de-vie, aged for a long time to develop complex and balanced aromas. Pineau des Charentes, a sweet and fruity aperitif, is also a specialty of the estate, produced according to the traditional methods of the region. As for the Charente wines, they reflect the diversity of the terroir and the richness of the grape varieties, offering a range of red, white and rosé wines that will appeal to all wine lovers.

An immersive visit to the heart of the winegrower’s profession

The wine estate opens its doors to visitors every day, preferably by appointment. An immersion in the heart of the vineyard allows you to discover the different stages of production, from the cultivation of the vines to the vinification, distillation and aging of the products.

The tour begins with a walk through the vineyards, where visitors can admire the landscape and understand the specificities of the Petite Champagne terroir. It continues with the discovery of the winemaking cellar and the distillery, where the transformation of grapes into wine and then into cognac is revealed. Finally, the aging cellar, with its aligned oak barrels, reveals the delicate process of maturation of cognacs and pineaux.

The visit ends with a tasting of the estate's products. Visitors have the opportunity to savor the various wine creations, from aged cognac to Pineau des Charentes and Charente wines, in a friendly and authentic atmosphere.

Summer presence on the island of Ré

Since 1999, the estate has also been present on the Isle of Ré, every summer, to introduce its products to holidaymakers. In July and August, the estate has a stand under the Loix market hall, where it is possible to meet the producers and taste the cognacs, pineaux and wines in a picturesque setting.

This presence on the Isle of Ré demonstrates the estate's desire to share its expertise with as many people as possible, by promoting authentic products from a unique terroir.

Accommodation and discovery of the region

Although the estate does not offer on-site accommodation, it recommends two partner establishments nearby. Le Vieux Noyer, located in Réaux sur Trèfle, 1.5 kilometers from the estate, and Le Clos des Pierres Blanches, in Brie sous Archiac, 8 kilometers away, offer a warm and comfortable setting to extend the wine experience in the region.

For those wishing to discover the riches of Charente-Maritime, Jonzac and its famous troglodyte thermal baths are just a few minutes from the estate. This small spa town is also renowned for its historical heritage and cultural events. In addition, the Haute-Saintonge region, with its rolling landscapes and picturesque villages, is an ideal destination for nature and heritage lovers.

A wine estate of excellence in Charente-Maritime

The wine estate, located in Petite Champagne, is a reference in the production of cognac, Pineau des Charentes and Charentais wines. Thanks to an exceptional terroir, traditional production methods and family know-how, it offers a range of authentic and quality products. A visit to the estate allows you to dive into the heart of the winemaker's world and discover all the stages of production, before savoring the fruits of this passionate work.

Whether in Chadenac or on the Isle of Ré, this family estate is a real invitation to discover the Charente vineyards and their wine treasures.

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