Behind every Frisant, a well-thought-out wink

Did you know that each vintage of Frisant pays tribute to a natural ally of the Orpailleur Vineyard? Through unique and personality-filled labels, local artist Stéphane Lemardelé skillfully illustrates these precious presences that are part of our ecosystem.

And that's not all: each label is also inspired by a carefully chosen historical work of art to create a subtle yet playful nod.

Curious to discover the story behind each of these illustrations? Follow us... we'll reveal everything!

Vintage 2021 - The touch of ladybugs

Why the ladybug is in the spotlight in our first vintage

For our very first vintage, we chose to showcase a small insect that's as pretty as it is useful: the ladybug. Naturally present in the vineyard's ecosystem, it plays an essential role in protecting our vines.

By feeding on harmful insects like aphids, the ladybug contributes to the natural balance of our plots. It perfectly embodies the spirit of our sustainable viticulture , where we favor natural allies rather than chemical interventions.

It is therefore quite natural that she appears on the label of this first vintage - in homage to her discreet but precious contribution.

A ladybug preying on a colony of aphids that are harmful to vines.

Artist's inspiration

Our ladybugs touch their legs like The Creation of Adam is one of nine frescoes painted by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums in Rome.

Vintage 2022 - The young blackbird spin

For our 2022 vintage, we have chosen to highlight an emblematic and unfortunately declining bird in Quebec: the Bluebird.

Present in our ecosystem thanks to the nesting boxes we've installed around the vineyard, this insectivore plays a valuable role in the natural protection of our vines. During the nesting season, a single bluebird can consume more than 1,000 insects per day!

Its prey includes several vine pests, such as the vine flea beetle, the red-headed flea beetle, beetles, weevils, and even vine budworm caterpillars.
Its appetite makes it a choice ally in our approach to sustainable viticulture, which focuses on natural balances rather than pesticides.

Artist's inspiration

Our bluebird poses for Girl with a Pearl Earring, an oil painting on canvas by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer circa 1665.

Vintage 2023 - The House of Swallows

For the 2023 vintage, tree swallows are in the spotlight—a nod to these winged allies that we welcome in large numbers each year thanks to the hundred or so nesting boxes installed in our vineyards.

Our goal: to preserve and enhance the biodiversity that surrounds us by creating wildlife-friendly developments while supporting our agricultural production. Since natural cavities are rare in and around vineyards, we encourage the establishment of insectivorous birds that benefit the vines by providing them with suitable nesting boxes.

Tree swallows play a valuable role in our agroecosystem:

• They participate in the natural regulation of harmful insects;
• They contribute to the good health of the vines and the resilience of our culture;
• They promote the increase of local biodiversity, essential to the balance of our environment.

These elegant aerial insectivores are great consumers of insects and perfectly embody our vision of sustainable viticulture in harmony with nature.

Artist's inspiration

Our pair of swallows pose in front of their sloping-roofed home, like the 1930 painting American Gothic by Grant Wood.

Vintage 2024 - Mona the fox

For our 2024 vintage, we're highlighting a discreet but valuable ally: the red fox. Naturally present in our environment, it's an integral part of the vineyard's living biodiversity.

Every year, several foxes take up residence on our land and raise their litters near the plots. Their presence is far from insignificant: by feeding on field mice in particular, they play an essential role in protecting our vineyards. These small rodents, if left unchecked, can cause significant damage by gnawing at the vines under their winter covers.

Through their simple natural activity, red foxes thus participate in our approach to sustainable cultivation, ensuring ecological and effective regulation of pests.

They perfectly embody our desire to work with nature, not against it.

A little fox cub coming out of its burrow at the edge of the vines.

Artist's inspiration

Our fox poses like the famous Mona Lisa, the famous portrait by Leonardo da Vinci.

Reserve your bottles in advance, pick them up in store

To ensure you enjoy it, would you like to purchase bottles in advance and pick them up during the season? It's possible on our online store ! Simply select the "in-store pickup" option during the checkout process; this option is free.

Stay tuned to discover upcoming labels and the new natural allies that will be featured in our upcoming vintages.