Our history
Funt Salat
The salty fountain
A story
of Languedoc
Château Fonsalade, now belonging to the Barbe family, has been established since the 15th century.
The first winegrowers, who came from around Saint Pons de Thomières, settled around the natural water source from which the name of the estate comes. Indeed, the water drawn from the source is exceptionally rich in sodium bicarbonate, which gives it a very slightly salty taste and its name "Funt Salada" in old Occitan.
Over the years the name has gradually evolved into Fonsalade but the qualities of the water have remained: the sodium bicarbonate present in the water that we use for our viticulture work helps to fight naturally against downy and powdery mildew; it also repels many parasites.
In the 17th century, thanks to the construction of the Canal du Midi and taking advantage of the economic development that accompanied it, the property developed with the construction of the house and the aging cellar in 1790.
Languedoc
Compostelle
three cypress
On the road
to Compostela
Since 1839, wine sales have been registered under the name Château Fonsalade. Located at the foot of the Black Mountain, about twenty kilometers north of Béziers, Fonsalade has always been a place of welcome and sharing. This is how pilgrims took advantage of the hospitality offered on their way to Compostela by way of Arles. Three cypress trees planted at the entrance of the estate meant they could stop to drink, eat and sleep.
A link between past and present, the three cypresses are now represented on our logo and attest in their own way to the generosity and friendliness offered to our visitors.
Since 1839, wine sales have been registered under the name Château Fonsalade. Located at the foot of the Black Mountain, about twenty kilometers north of Béziers, Fonsalade has always been a place of welcome and sharing. This is how pilgrims took advantage of the hospitality offered on their way to Compostela by way of Arles. Three cypress trees planted at the entrance of the estate meant they could stop to drink, eat and sleep.
A link between past and present, the three cypresses are now represented on our logo and attest in their own way to the generosity and friendliness offered to our visitors.
Barbe Family
Owner-Grapegrower
Beggining of the adventure
Barbe family bought the estate of Château Fonsalade
Production : 30,000 bottles
First investments
A new visual identity was born.
New investments are made : Harvest reception investment, barrels, thermoregulated vats, ...
New barrels
New investments with new barrels and AC in the cellar
Organic fertilisers are now used
plot vinification
New vats are bought to vinify specific vines
Taking care of our terroir
Investments are continuing with the purchase of cultivation equipment: tractor, sprayer, grinder, plowing frame, interceptor, etc.
Production : 60,000 bottles
FELIX VINI
Claude Gros, consultant oenologist joins the Fonsalade adventure. 1 ha of Viognier is planted. The Felix Vini trading house is born.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION
Chemical weeding is stopped. Plantation of 3ha of Syrah.
HVE3 Label
1 ha of Chardonnay and 0.5 ha of Cinsault are planted. The reception area for customers and the tasting cellar have been renovated. The domain obtains HVE 3 certification.
Barbe Family
Owner-Grapegrower
Beggining of the adventure
Barbe family bought the estate of Château Fonsalade
Production : 30,000 bottles
First investments
A new visual identity was born.
New investments are made : Harvest reception investment, barrels, thermoregulated vats, ...
New barrels
New investments with new barrels and AC in the cellar
Organic fertilisers are now used
plot vinification
New vats are bought to vinify specific vines
Taking care of our terroir
Investments are continuing with the purchase of cultivation equipment: tractor, sprayer, grinder, plowing frame, interceptor, etc.
Production : 60,000 bottles
FELIX VINI
Claude Gros, consultant oenologist joins the Fonsalade adventure. 1 ha of Viognier is planted. The Felix Vini trading house is born.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION
Chemical weeding is stopped. Plantation of 3ha of Syrah.
HVE3 Label
1 ha of Chardonnay and 0.5 ha of Cinsault are planted. The reception area for customers and the tasting cellar have been renovated. The domain obtains HVE 3 certification.
