Jacques Frelin Vignobles
History
Organic viticulture flows in the Frelin family’s veins—long before it became fashionable. In the 1960s, the founder’s father-in-law, Claude Jougla, broke from conventional practices, embracing natural vineyard management with no chemical inputs—a forward-looking ethos that would define the estate’s future. In 1983, Jacques Frelin formally established Jacques Frelin Vignobles with a firm commitment to organic winemaking. He was instrumental in founding the Millésime Bio trade fair and has held leadership roles in SudVinBio, helping steer the organic movement in French wine. Today, Jacques’s daughter Carole Frelin carries forward this mission, supported by an all-female team dedicated to crafting wines that balance purity, joy, and respect for nature. Their holistic approach blends tradition with innovation: plot-by-plot grape selection, optimal harvest timing, and long-term collaboration with partner producers.
Farming and Philosophy
All wines under the brand are 100% certified organic by Ecocert, with some cuvées also achieving biodynamic (Demeter) and Vin Méthode Nature designations. Their vineyards in the Languedoc region—particularly around Aigues-Vives and other southern French terroirs—benefit from clay-limestone soils, stony terraces, and a unique microclimate suited for grape varieties such as Souvignier Gris, Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne, and Sauvignon. Sustainability reaches beyond the vines: the estate practices agroforestry, reuses bottles, employs recycled and FSC-certified packaging materials, gradually phases out plastic, and supports environmental causes like The SeaCleaners.
