History
The Arjolle estate came into being in 1974, on the impetus of Prosper and Louis-Marie Teisserenc. The original objectives were based on the essential pillars of quality, diversity, and production of excellent wines. Today these values continue to dominate the work on the estate.
Two pioneers and visionary brothers focused first on the renewal of the grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Their conferred liberty by the Côtes de Thongue appellation allowed them to produce wines made from single or blended grape varieties that are full of expression and character
Their efforts were rewarded with the bottling of the very first vintage in 1978.
In 1982, associates of Arjolle took under their wing also the estate of the magnificent Château de Margon, which is located three kilometres from Arjolle.
In 1985, Charles Duby and Guilhem de Fozières joined the team. They brought in a profound understanding of the winegrowing with respect for the environment therefore leading to the Terra Vitis label (a classification for a sustainable agriculture).
During one trip in California, Louis-Marie had developed a passion for Zinfandel and later planted one hectare in Pouzolles. That’s where the unusual Z of Arjolle was born: the first single grape Zinfandel wine made in France.
In 1986, Roland Teisserenc, the son of Prosper joined the team.
The first wine aged in oak barrels left the Arjolle cellar in 1988. Given the outstanding demand for Arjolle wines, an 800 barrel wine cellar (built by architect Bruno Lapostat) came into being in 2001.
In 2004, François (Louis-Marie’s son) and Roch (Prosper’s son) set up as young farmers and with them, ten new hectares were added from the garrigue to plant Carménère, Muscat Petits-Grains and Viognier. A high-density plantation test (8,000 hectare feet) was also put in place on three hectares, with Syrah and Viognier.
In 2014, Simon (Louis-Marie’s son) and Geoffroy de La Besnardière joined the estate and in 2022, Juliette (Charle’s daughter) completed the Arjolle family team.
“Our history has been enriched throughout many encounters, through contributions and travels around the world. A single hope remains as we build our future together: that is to share the fruits of our passion with the largest number of people we can.”
