Domaine
MI-CÔTE
BETWEEN TOWN AND CANAL
The Domaine Mi-Côte resembles a famous village of the Gauls.
Their wines are
fruity, tannic
and a little wo
ody.
GLOSSARY
The Ramonétage
is an annex to the estate where the ramonet, the
steward in charge of the estate, lived and whose
Not surprising you might think, because it
is situated just a few kilometres from the
Oppidum of Ensérune. But the real reason
is that it is the only oasis of vegetation
among the housing developments which
attest to the urban encroachment on
agricultural zones. By visiting you learn a
little about the countryside! Despite it all,
Jean-Marc Recoules is resisting and for
good reason...
The grandson of a vineyard manager and a
cook at the ramonétage of the Domaine
de Saint Paul in Lespignan, and the son of
a vineyard machine worker, his whole life
has revolved around winegrowing.
His father and grandfather bought the
estate in 1952. He remembers playing as
a small boy among the vines all around
the house, which stretched as far as the
eye could see. At 18, he joined his father
in the business. He created a winery
shop where you can see, as a little nod
to the past, the certificate for the Order
of Agricultural Merit awarded to his
grandparents. Working with his wife,
who came to join him on the estate, they
sell 100% of their production on site -
that’s what you might call a short supply
chain!
Nicknamed Monsieur “Mi-Côte”, some
clients describe him as ‘VIF’ (Vigneron
indépendant de France - Independent
winegrower of France) and that he
actually does 3 jobs “winegrower,
14
oenologist and seller”, which shows
just how full his days can be. He is also
very involved in professional associations,
particularly in the IGP Coteaux de Béziers
syndicate. They sell 7 bottled vintages
and 6 as bag in the box. His favourite wine
is their latest creation, the 3J vintage,
signifying Jean-Marc, Jérôme, his son-
in-law, and Jérémy, his grandson, a
guy thing? Well, not really because at
the next harvest, it will be Stéphanie, the
daughter of Jean-Marc and Marie-Line,
who will continue the family tradition. The
Domaine Mi-Côte is located 500 metres
from the 9 Locks of Fonseranes, classified
as a historical monument, so there’s no
avoiding the tourists for this couple.
In fact, they very much enjoy contact
with others and welcome campervans
year round through the France Passion
network. They help them discover the
town of Béziers like the true ambassadors
they are, and of course, their wines will be
honoured at aperitif time at the end of day,
which can resemble a third half.
This gives them the chance to explain their
sustainable approach to agriculture and
the intelligent use of pesticides. “When
it rains, the entrance road is covered with
earthworms”, explains Jean-Marc. No
doubt about it, they know this is a good
place to be...
510, TRAVERSE DE COLOMBIERS VC 9 - 34500 BÉZIERS
04 67 28 85 73 - domainemicote.jimdo.com
Winery shop open every day and year round.
The 9 Locks of Fonseranes