Frederic Mabileau
Summary
Domaine Frederic Mabileau is a 28-30 hectare family estate in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil and Bourgueil in the Loire Valley, producing primarily Cabernet Franc wines from diverse soils of gravel, limestone, and clay. The estate, now led by Rémy Mabileau following his father's passing in 2020, maintains organic certification and biodynamic practices, with soil-specific vinification methods and hand harvesting that highlight the distinct terroir expressions of their appellations.
Heritage & Leadership
Frederic Mabileau established his eponymous domaine in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil during the 1990s, building upon family vineyards that had been cultivated for several generations. Taking over from his father, Frederic expanded the estate and elevated its standing within the Loire Valley wine community. The domaine's trajectory changed dramatically in 2020 when Frederic Mabileau tragically lost his life in an ultralight aircraft accident.
Following this loss, leadership transitioned to the next generation with Frederic's son, Rémy Mabileau, assuming management responsibilities. The estate remains firmly family-owned and operated, with Nathalie Mabileau, Frederic's wife, also involved in the domaine's operations. This continuity of family stewardship has been a defining characteristic of the estate throughout its development.
Vineyards & Wines
The Mabileau domaine encompasses approximately 28-30 hectares of vineyards primarily located in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, with additional holdings in neighboring Bourgueil. These Loire Valley appellations are distinguished by their diverse soil compositions, with the Mabileau vineyards planted across a mix of gravel, limestone, and clay soils typical of the region. This geological diversity contributes significantly to the character of their wines.
Cabernet Franc dominates the estate's plantings, reflecting the traditional varietal focus of these appellations. The domaine produces several distinct cuvées from this grape, including "Les Rouillères," "Racines," and "Eclipse," each expressing different facets of their terroir. While red wines constitute the majority of their production, the estate also cultivates some Chenin Blanc for white wine production and produces limited quantities of rosé from Cabernet Franc.
Philosophy & Practice
The Mabileau approach to viticulture is firmly grounded in organic farming practices, with the estate holding certification from Ecocert. Their commitment to environmental stewardship extends to the implementation of biodynamic farming principles throughout their vineyards. Hand harvesting is standard practice across the estate, reflecting their quality-focused approach.
In the cellar, the winemaking team vinifies different soil types separately to highlight the distinct terroir characteristics of each parcel. Their technical approach incorporates both traditional and modern elements, utilizing a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for fermentation and aging, with specific protocols tailored to each cuvée. The estate's top wines typically receive extended aging in oak barrels to develop complexity while maintaining the characteristic freshness of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc.
All wines are produced under the Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil and Bourgueil AOC designations, with the domaine recognized as one of the leading producers in these appellations.