HISTORY OF THE ESTATE
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📍 1897 – The origins of the Estate
The history of the estate began on January 26, 1897, when a deed of sale formalized the transfer of land between Mr. Charles PINCHENIER, owner in BAGNOLS, and Mr. Léon Arène, doctor of the same commune. The transaction was carried out in Bagnols-sur-Cèze before Mrs. B. de FERRY de la BELLONE, Notary. At that time, the estate covered 26 hectares, according to the old cadastral numbering. In addition to the lands of Bagnols, it also included a plot in the commune of Saint-Gervais, at the place called La Soudarde. This land complex constitutes a substantial agricultural heritage, which will gradually be oriented towards viticulture.
📍 1924 – First recognition
Under the leadership of Augustin, successor to Léon Arène, the estate's wines began to gain recognition. They received an honorary diploma at the Bar-sur-Seine Exhibition and Fair, the first official recognition of their quality.
📍 1952 – National distinctions
In 1952, the estate reached an important milestone: He received a silver medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris for his Côtes du Rhône rosé. Over the following years, the consistency of his work and the quality of his wines were again rewarded with three other medals, confirming his reputation. At the 8th International Vine and Wine Fair, Mr. ARENE received the bronze medal for a 1954 Côtes du Rhône. The following year, a diploma of honor with congratulations from the jury was awarded to a Côtes du Rhône from the estate.
📍 1995 - The strength of a woman
Valérie VIGNAL buys the estate and markets its wines.
📍 2022 - A Grain of Madness
A new milestone has been reached with the creation of the company EARL Un Grain de Folie. A name chosen with a smile, but which reflects the reality well:
🌿 Because sometimes you have to be a little crazy to continue making wine today, in a difficult economic context, where we move forward more through passion than reason.
🍷 Because this "madness" also speaks of the human trials of a succession that did not go as planned, but which was transformed into strength and energy to move forward.
"Un Grain de Folie" is therefore at once a wink, a philosophy and a conviction: despite the difficulties, continue to believe in wine, in the terroir, and in the transmission of living know-how.