LA PROVENQUIÈRE, WINE AND FAMILY FIELD SINCE 1954
In the heart of the Languedoc vineyards, Domaine La Provenquière perpetuates the wine-growing and family heritage of four generations of passionate winegrowers, as well as the historical heritage of a unique place steeped in nearly five centuries of history.
It is in Capestang, a wine-growing village in the Hérault near Béziers and the famous Canal du Midi, that the peaceful and majestic Château La Provenquière stands, beyond its elegant entrance gate.
The Robert-Boularand family expresses all its winemaking know-how here through a wide range of white, red, rosé and orange IGP Pays d’Oc, AOC Languedoc, AOC Saint-Chinian and AOC Coteaux d’Ensérune varietal wines.
THE HISTORY OF LA PROVENQUIÈRE ESTATE
The history of La Provenquière Estate, its castle and its 155-hectare vineyard has been part of the heritage of Hérault and the south of France since the 15th century. The Robert-Boularand family has exercised its passion for wine and its expertise in the wine sector since 1954…
Our History
OVER THE YEARS
1400
Construction of the Estate
When it was built in the 15th century, Domaine La Provenquière was then called “Pech Faucon”, a name that would be linked to the presence of many small birds of prey living around the estate. The residence, located on a farm, already dominates the Capestang region with its emblematic tower decorated with green tiles.
1600
La Provenquière
In the 17th century, in accordance with the custom of the time, the Pech Faucon was renamed “Provenquière” after the name of the owner of the premises, Jean Provenquier.
1700
In the 18th century, when the residence was the property of the marquis de Puisserguier of the house of Caylar, writings already attest to the cultivation of vines on the lands of the estate.
1800
The castle
In the 19th century, the former residence of the farmhouse was transformed into a castle by Paul Teissonnière. He was then adviser to Napoleon III. He was a member of the council of the city of Paris as well as a member of the Société des Agriculteurs de France and the Chambre Syndicale des Vins. It is also in this capacity that he collaborates in the work of Louis Pasteur on wines and their conservation.
As soon as he acquired the estate in 1860, Paul Teissonnière added a new floor covered with slates to the building and provided it with very modern facilities for the time, including sanitary facilities on all levels and a water heating system.
1954
In the 20th century, the château and its lands became the property of Achille Robert, a wine merchant in Cruzy, a town located between the Canal du Midi and Saint-Chinian. At that time, in 1954, the farm consisted of vineyards and apple orchards.
A few years later, Achille bequeathed the lands of the estate to his son, Max, and his wife, Anny. The second generation of the Robert family expanded the vineyard and planted a wide variety of grape varieties typical of the south of France. Max also devoted plots to the cultivation of Sémillon, a grape variety originating from Bordeaux. Forty years later, Sémillon continues to be grown by La Provenquière Estate, which remains one of the few producers of this variety of grape in Languedoc-Roussillon.
1994
Robert family, winegrowers in La Provenquière
In 1994, Brigitte and Claude, the children of Max and Anny Robert, took over the reins of the family estate. They are developing it by stepping up the marketing of bottled wine in particular. The historical range of the Estate in IGP Pays d’Oc is then born: the “Grape Variety” range offers single varietal wines in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier and many more.
They are joined from 2015 by their respective children, Marie Boularand, Jean Boularand and Antoine Robert. The new generation is the guarantor of the subtle and fruitful alliance between winemaking tradition and viticultural innovation.
Winegrowers by Nature
THE ROBERT BOULARAND FAMILY
A FAMILY HISTORY, BETWEEN PASSION AND TRANSMISSION
Claude ROBERT
VINEYARD OWNER
In 1982, barely 22 years old, Claude joined the family estate then managed by his father, Max Robert. He trained there as a winegrower and acquired a sharp expertise and a global vision of the mechanisms that govern the proper functioning of the vineyard. True living memory of La Provenquière, it is a witness to its evolution and an actor in its development. Today he is in charge of the wine-growing part of the estate.
Brigitte ROBERT
VINEYARD OWNER
Very attached to her native region of Languedoc and to the family estate, it was only natural that Brigitte joined her brother Claude and took the helm of the estate alongside him in 1994, after completing her medical studies. As a true enthusiast, she is keen to promote the precious heritage inherited from their father and pass it on one day in turn. She now devotes herself to the commercial and administrative missions of La Provenquière.
Marie BOULARAND
Export Manager
After obtaining her National Diploma in Oeonology, Marie completed the Specialised Masters in “International Trade in Wines & Spirits” at ESC Dijon. She is also certified in wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) up to the Diploma. She brings to La Provenquière all her expertise acquired after 12 years spent in renowned houses in the United Kingdom (Oddbins, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Lanson International and Advini).
Jean BOULARAND
CELLAR MASTER
Jean first studied engineering, specialising in mechanical engineering, manufacturing and materials. He lived in England where he obtained Levels 2 (Intermediate) and 3 (Advanced) from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). This experience reinforced his desire to reconnect with his winegrower roots and to work within the family estate. Jean takes care of the vinification, from the entry of the grapes into the cellar until its bottling.
Antoine ROBERT
FRENCH TRADE
Antoine began his career with field experiences around the world after obtaining his BTSA Viticulture-Oenology: in the Northern Rhône at Ampuis (Maison Jean-Baptiste Souillard), in the Loire at Sancerre (Alphonse Mellot) then in South Africa near Stellenbosh (Winery of Good Hope). When he turned back in France, he divided his time between the Le Clos du Caillou estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the family estate, La Provenquière.
La Provenquière Estate is the story of a passion for wine and for the terroir of Languedoc. A passion, even an identity, transmitted from generation to generation since 1954. Especially today, the third and fourth generations are committed side by side to achieving a single objective: to reveal the best of the family estate and the La Provenquière wine region.
Iconic figures of the estate, Claude and his sister Brigitte have been co-managing the family estate since 1994. Marie, Jean and Antoine representing the fourth generation of the family are also committed daily to the heart of the estate.
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Claude, Brigitte, Jean, Antoine and Marie. Five passionate winegrowers who work every day to offer authentic and unique IGP Pays d’Oc and AOC Languedoc wines, vinified observing the winemaking tradition and the terroir.
