Colline de l'Hirondelle - Didier & Jen Ferrier – Organic Winemaking in Douzens, Minervois
A land of love stories, indeed. Jen, a passionate Californian, met Didier, a seasoned vigneron, on an estate housing an artists' commune. A chance meeting, a shared passion, and soon, they were making wine together in the heart of Douzens. Their vineyard is now known for producing exceptional wines that reflect their love story and dedication to organic winemaking.
Slow Down and Watch Nature Flourish
Jen & Didier have cultivated a vineyard based on the principles of biodynamics and organic farming. Their philosophy? Slow down, observe the cycles of nature, and let the land speak for itself. Over the last 15 years, they’ve witnessed a transformation in their vines. They began their journey by nurturing a 100-year-old Carignan vineyard, discovering that its flavors were hidden beneath the surface of conventional farming techniques.
Through trial, error, and the decision to eliminate pesticides and artificial feed, the vines went through three challenging years of low yields. But today, after 15 years of patience, their vines are healthier and more robust. They are producing grapes with higher quality, improved acidity, and mellower tannins. A remarkable 60% increase in juice production speaks volumes about the health of their vineyard.
Reviving Biodiversity, From Insects to Bats
Over the years, Jen & Didier have helped bring back the natural food chain once lost. From bees, insects, and spiders to migratory birds and bats, life is abundant. The biodiversity surrounding the vineyard is thriving, a testament to their farming methods that support nature’s balance.
“Didier and I founded our small family winery as a way of working in harmony with our convictions. We want to live slowly, observing the natural cycles around us and following a rhythm dictated by the seasons, make wines that reflect the particular character of our vineyards.”
And that character is blossoming now. More juice, nicer acidity, and mellower tannins. Remarkably 60% more juice. These are happy happy grapes.
A Journey with Purpose – Exceptional Wines from Historic Vines
One of their crowning achievements is the vineyard known as La Joupatière. A historical gem, La Joupatière is made from fifteen heritage varieties planted in the 1890s, making it one of the oldest vineyards in Douzens. Miraculously escaping phylloxera, this exceptional field blend includes Carignan noir, Grenache noir, Cinsault noir, Mourrastel, and several other rare varieties. It’s a wine that preserves the terroir of the Languedoc and its biodiversity.
Their project has received much recognition – e.g. Jancis Robinson, the FT’s wine writer and one of the world's most respected wine commentators – voted La Joupatière the best Vin de Pays in France.
We stock their top wines, such as À la Volée, Carignan, La Belle Picole, La Joupatière, and Sur la Crête, are highly sought after. Jen and Didier’s dedication to organic farming and sustainability shines through in every bottle, making their wines a true reflection of the region's richness.
Read more about their wines here: