The 5 terroirs labelled AOC Fiefs Vendéens
The French vineyards situated in the Vendée have five terroirs designated with the AOC appellation that reveal the geological richness of the region. The mild climate combined with the know-how of the winegrowers give their wines a unique typicity with a remarkable aromatic palette for multiple pleasures.
The Vendée’s wine producers offer an invitation to discover their wine heritage and share in their passion. A rich and varied territory stretching across the Vendée, each AOC wine is distinctive, rich with the taste of their know-how.
The history of the Fiefs vendéens wines begins with a famous character…
The wine was first introduced into the Vendée during the Gallo-Romaine period and later cultivated by monks during the Middle Ages. However, it was thanks to Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal de Richelieu that this culture really took off. This man will become a few years later the Main Minister under the reign of Louis the XIIIth). The wines of the Fiefs, whose former name were the Fief du Cardinal’s, recall that these lands were those of Cardinal de Richelieu who donated the vineyards of his diocese to the poor.
It was not until 1953 that the wine producers were regrouped under the name of the Fiefs du Cardinal and began a real battle for the quality of their own wine. Later they decided to adopt the name Fiefs Vendéens, which was designation in 1965 which was finally recognized as AOC (wine of controlled origin) in 2011.
Today, the Fiefs Vendéens consist of five terroirs spread over the Vendée, giving each wine its own special character: Brem which faces the ocean, Chantonnay and Mareuil situated more in the centre, as well as Vix and Pissotte located in the south-east.
The 5 terroirs for Fiefs Vendéens AOC wines
The Fiefs Vendéens today, consists of 15 wine producers spread over 418 hectares cultivated in AOC. Their production is composed of 40% rosé, 40% red and 20% white. Each terroir has inherited a unique character thanks to the geological richness of its soil and climate.
The discreet influence of the sea in Brem’s terroir
A land of dry whites, rosés, and charming reds where the sea air has a particular influence on the vine’s fruits. Fine and delicate wines with a beautiful minerality and a discreet saline touch.
>> Read more about the Brem's terroir
The largest variety of terroirs in Chantonnay AOC area
Situated on a carboniferous fault, Chantonnay AOC aera has a great diversity of terroirs. The whites are generous and tight, the reds powerful and complex.
>> Read more about the Chantonnay's terroir
Subtle mineral flavours of Mareuil’s AOC wines
Well known for its red wines and rosés full of character and personality, the Fief Vendéen from Mareuil also produces whites with subtle minerality.
>> Read more about the Mareuil's terroir
A vineyard deeply rooted, the uniqueness of Pissotte’s terroir
As the soil is very deep, the vines must take root in the red shales(schist) and then pass through a thick layer of clay soil. The Fiefs of Pissotte is best known for its fruity rosés and slightly pearly whites. The same grape varieties can also be found in other Fief Vendéens wines, but along with the addition of Melon.
>> Read more about the Pissotte's terroir
Fruity red wines and precise white wines in the terroir of Vix
Located on a limestone islet, Vix produces great red wines that are powerful, generous, elegant, and marked by fruit. The whites, for their part, reveal subtle, precise, and tense aromas.
>> Read more about the Vix terroir