Wine Dinner: Domaine Mabileau

It’s not often we get the pleasure of an international winemaker visiting us from overseas, but joining us on March 21^st is Rémy Mabileau of Domaine Mabileau. Even better, he will be presented by our esteemed local colleague, Thomas Meunier, of Authentiquevin based in Carrboro.

Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, is the tiniest of the Cabernet Franc’s appellation of the Loire. With only 2,500 acres and 140 producers it is half the size of neighboring Chinon, and known for the most precise and delicate expression of the varietal. It is there that Frédéric, and wife Nathalie, started his eponymous estate in 1991 with only 7 acres of land mostly located on the lieu-dit “Les Rouillères,” still the name of their flagship cuvée now. For over 12 years he and his dad Jean-Paul had each their own estate, using the same vinification site. In 2003, with Jean-Paul retiring, the estate grew to 50 acres. That same year Frédéric decided to ban the use of chemicals and pesticides, started ploughing the soil, and initiated his conversion to organic that led to full certification in 2007. The Biodynamic came few years after that to be officially certified in 2018.

At the end of the summer of 2020 on a beautiful day, Frédéric suddenly passed away in a plane crash leaving his son Rémy, who was working alongside him since 2016, to take over the winery with Nathalie. 30-year-old Rémy Mabileau is now in charge of the estate. His vision is anchored in the natural wine approach following the footsteps of his father.

As a friend of the family, Thomas Meunier worked 6 years at the estate from 2003 to 2009. He was there to witness the painful transition and the young winemaker has impressed Thomas with his maturity and fast growth. The quality of the first few vintages without his dad is stunning, no doubt making Frédéric proud!

Fearrington Executive Chef Paul Gagne has planned a wonderful 5-course dinner to pair with 9 stellar wines.

The Fine Print:

This $195 wine dinner is non-refundable and totals $255 with tax and service. If your plans have changed, please feel free to send a lucky friend in your place!  Just send us an email with their name or have them bring your confirmation email.