Château de Nouvelles

Château de Nouvelles is a wine estate in Tuchan, in the Corbières area of the Aude department, sitting right in the heart of the Fitou appellation. Surrounded by vineyards and the Verdouble forest, it operates today as a working winery, though its history stretches back much further.

How do you get there?

Tuchan lies in the Hautes Corbières, the hilly inland part of Aude between Narbonne and the border with the Roussillon. Château de Nouvelles sits just outside the village itself, on its own domain stretching between Tuchan and the Verdouble state forest. The surrounding landscape is classic Corbières — terraced vineyards, dry-stone walls and a hot Mediterranean climate — so a visit pairs naturally with a wider tour of the region's vineyards and hilltop castles.

What will you see?

The site was already occupied in Gallo-Roman times, and archaeologists link it to a villa from that period. The estate takes its name from Jacques Fournier de Novelli, who in the 14th century became pope under the name Benedict XII — his connection to the property is documented from 1334. Ownership changed hands repeatedly over the centuries until 1834, when the Chavanette and Fort families acquired it; since then it has remained with the Daurat-Fort family, who still run an organic wine estate here covering roughly 67 hectares.

From the original medieval fortified castle, a square tower and the chapel of St. Martin still survive. These two features dominate the estate's buildings, which today form what looks like a small, green hamlet — outbuildings, cellars and a residence surrounded by vines, fed by the Cantorel and la Doubs springs. That combination of defensive architecture with an active winery is fairly unusual for the region — most Corbières castles are ruins today, while Château de Nouvelles keeps functioning through its wine production.

The estate specialises in Fitou appellation wines — dry reds from organically farmed vineyards — as well as varietal wines and the sweet fortified wines of the Rivesaltes appellation. That unbroken line of winemaking, tracing back to the era of Pope Benedict XII, is a big part of what draws visitors here.

When should you visit?

The Corbières region has a typical Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and mild winters — so spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to explore it, with vineyards at their most photogenic during spring flowering and the golden colours of the autumn harvest. Summer can get very hot, but it's also when tastings and wine-related events are easiest to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Château de Nouvelles? The estate is primarily a working winery; tours and tastings are generally by appointment, often on Sundays, so it's worth contacting the domain ahead of your visit.

What is there to see besides the vineyards? The square tower and the chapel of St. Martin survive from the original fortified castle, giving the estate the feel of a historic residence rather than just a modern wine operation.

What is Fitou, the wine produced here? Fitou is one of the oldest red wine appellations in Languedoc, covering communes of the Hautes Corbières including Tuchan; Château de Nouvelles produces its Fitou wines from organically farmed vines.

Why is Pope Benedict XII linked to this place? The château's name comes from Jacques Fournier de Novelli, who before becoming Pope Benedict XII in the 14th century was connected to this property — the earliest documented trace of its history, dating to 1334.