Living & consuming differently: THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE NEW CHÂTEAU DE SÉRAME

Creating the vineyard of tomorrow and engaging in an entirely new model of ecology, this is the social and environmental adventure that the Exéa family are  taking on in Lézignan-Corbières (Languedoc). It is a time of renaissance at the historic estate of Château de Sérame, which has been the crowning jewel of Les Vignobles d’Exéa since 1799. There is a new team, a new range of great organic and vegan wines, cultural projects and a local, artisan food truck. The 600-hectare estate (which includes 200 hectares of vines in a single plot) is committed to becoming a true incubator of environmentally-friendly practices. A large-scale agroforestry project is already in place with the planting of 5,000 shrubs and fruit trees, as well as a permaculture garden which will supply all the estate’s needs. Water management is optimised thanks to a variety of innovative solutions, and the vines are currently subject to DEMETER biodynamics certification.

What’s more, a food truck, guided tours and a programme of concerts allow the public to enjoy the estate.

200 hectares with organic certification

With the arrival of Aymeric Izard, Head of Operations, in 2020, the vineyard has experienced a real sea change. “Our vines have been organically cultivated

since 2010, and we have planted managed seedlings to prevent the need for ploughing (respecting soil structure and lowering our carbon footprint). In

the wine cellar, we have worked throughout lockdown to be ready in time for the 2020 vintage: renovating the winery, building two loading bays,

extensions and more. Waste management as well as water and energy conservation are fundamental concerns at all the stages of production.

Biodynamics: responding to the urgent need for change

The new team’s aim is to go further and more quickly to protect the soil with biodynamics. “The dramatic frosts that we saw in 2021 are an example of the

humility we need when working with nature,” states Aymeric Izard. “We are setting ourselves the challenge of organic production with a large

expanse of vines. We are refocusing on what matters, the balances of the natural landscape. To treat disease, we use organic or natural inputs which

stimulate the vine’s natural defences. We work with around twenty varieties of grape, including the best known ones (Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre

and Carignan), some more unusual ones (Vermentino, Malbec, Neluccio, etc.) as well as disease-resistant varieties (Muscaris, Soreli and Souvignier Gris).

Les Vignobles d’Exéa is one of the oldest estates in Languedoc and one of the largest single-plot vineyards. That is a considerable asset when it comes to

growing organically as it helps protect from inputs from neighbouring plots.”

The renaissance of a historic Languedoc landmark

Preparing for a more socially-responsible future for the next generations

The new eco-vineyard has been steered by the founding family, the descendants of Pierre d’Exéa, originally from Spain and a Chevalier of Louis de France. “From the first plans we made in 2018, we have been convinced that we are acting in accordance with our family’s history,” explained Anne Besse, President of Les Vignobles d’Exéa. “Our goal is to build a community of ideas around an ethical and socially-responsible project, in a place that is brimming with history. As Paul Valéry, a friend of my grandfather who was born in Sète once said: “I’m working for those who come after me.” We are looking into the refurbishment of the château, which has the potential to become a stunning hotel surrounded by eco-lodges, a welcoming, convivial place with low energy consumption”.

Developing the international exports

“It’s a glorious renaissance for a firm that has always been a crowning jewel in Languedoc” confirms Xavier Logette, Key Account France / Export Manager. “We want to develop our sales to the main Premium markets, in line with the philosophy of the Family and remain in touch with the long history of Château de Sérame. Our new range, which has been fully revamped, is already listed with several selective distribution companies in France. Today, after several years of considerable change, we are getting enthusiastic feedback from wine connoisseurs worldwide on the developments we introduced. It’s up to us to continue  prove ourselves in the years to come!”