Bruno Laboucarié’s family has been making wine here since the seventeenth century, His father was one of the first vignerons working with whole cluster fermentation in the region. He believes strongly in the family’s legacy of innovation. He has modernized the cellars, planted new vines, and added new cuvées. In their lovely part of France, year in and year out, they are a top producer.

The Fontsainte vineyards surround the hamlet of Boutenac in the area known as “The Golden Crescent.” This swath of land is one of the sunniest in the appellation of Corbières, enjoying south-southeast exposure, and protection from the cold, northeast winds by a large 500-hectare forest. The cooler sea breezes from the Mediterranean help this sun-soaked terroir achieve balance as well. Bruno believes that “great wines are made in the vineyard” and less in the cellars. He farms the land sustainably and keeps treatments to a minimum. Silica, clay, and limestone dominate the subsoil of Fontsainte’s vineyards. Many of their vines are older. They currently produce just over 20,000 cases annually.