The Beginning
In 1979, Bernard and Cécile Croisille moved to Fages, located in the countryside surrounding the tiny town of Luzech. Their sole wealth was their youthful exuberance, a passion for working the land and a dream of building a life around this passion. They decided to become tenant farmers of a parcel of land that had been left untouched for years. With much perseverance and dedication the couple brought life back to the land. The first few years were difficult – all of their labor and capital were invested in clearing, preparing, planting and maintaining the first 7 hectares (approximately 17 acres) of vines. They patiently awaited the first harvest, as the fruits of their labor were not to come to fruition for several years. Finally in 1984, their first yield was brought to the Parnac winemaking cooperative.
Evolution
Bernard and Cécile remained passionate about performing the job at hand to the best of their ability. As visionary, driven individuals, they worked continuously to improve their technical expertise. Beginning from zero, they meticulously dedicated themselves to enhancing their cultivating skills and constantly questioned their work in order to propel their vineyard to success. After ten years of working with the winemaking cooperative, their drive pushed them to part ways and undertake the vinification process independently. This marked the beginning of the following ten-year chapter, during which they discovered and experimented with different winemaking and aging techniques. During this period they worked in association with a neighbouring winemaker and made use of his atelier to complete the vinification process of their superb harvests. Towards the end of the 2000s they ended this association and purchased an old viticulture estate, which they restored themselves and installed their workshop in their newly renovated chai.
The new generation
Business took on a new evolution in 2008 when their second son, Germain, officially joined the team. The vineyard expanded and started transitioning toward organic viticulture in 2010. In 2012, Germain’s childhood friend, Nicolas, began working with the Croisilles. Followed by Simon, the youngest of the band of brothers, who joined the team in 2015.
The estate is now fully certified in Biodynamic Agriculture.
Extrait
Il faut investir beaucoup, pour défricher leurs 7 premiers hectares de vigne
Les Croisille
Key Dates
The first 17 acres of vines
Bernard and Cécile Croisille move to Fages, located in the countryside surrounding the tiny town of Luzech. Their sole wealth is their youthful exuberance, a passion for working the land and a dream of building a life around this passion. They decide to become tenant farmers of a parcel of land that had been left untouched for years. With much perseverance and dedication the couple brings life back to the land.
1979
First harvest
The first few years are difficult – they invest all of their labor and capital in clearing, preparing, planting and maintaining the first 7 hectares (approximately 17 acres) of vines. They patiently await the first harvest, as the fruits of their labor will not to come to fruition for several years.
Finally in 1984, they bring their first yield to the Parnac winemaking cooperative.
1984
Producing their wine
The path to producing their own wine had been paved, yet the couple is not entirely satisfied. Their wish is to master the entire winemaking process from start to finish. Cultivating grapes did not quench their insatiable desires and they began to learn about the vinification process. Over the next ten years they discover their true passion by working in association with their neighbour, who gives them their first taste of the profession. During this period, they become proficient in the vinification process and finally produce THEIR OWN wine.
1994
Establishing roots
In 1996, Bernard and Cécile purchase a magnificent Querçynoise style house that had fallen into ruin. They reconstruct their chai and house themselves. A true wine-producing estate is born, which blossoms with life like their first vintage. It took the couple 20 years to bring their exuberant dreams to fruition.
2000
ALG purchases the vineyard
Their lease came to an end and the Croisilles must purchase the vineyard they planted. Family, friends and even clients mobilize to help by giving donations so that their winemaking journey can continue. These individuals create an ALG (Agriculture Land Grouping) and purchase the vineyard, allowing the Croisilles to continue cultivating the land.
2004
Germain joins the team
Germain, their second son, who recently received his diploma, decides to delve into the profession and join the family business. This “young blood” motivates them to seize an incredible opportunity – renting a 10-hectare vineyard (approximately 25 acres) located in the Luzech Valley.
2008
Nicolas joins the team
Nicolas, Germain’s childhood friend who is like a son to the family, begins working with the Croisilles.
2012
Purchasing the Domaine De Fages
The neighbouring vineyard where Cécile and Bernard worked in association for 10 years is up for sale. They are well versed in the terroir’s attributes and seize this fabulous opportunity to expand their wine-producing estate. The five winemakers who purchase the Domaine De Fages form a second ALG.
2014
Simon joins the team
Simon, the youngest of the Croisille children, officially joins the team.