Recyclable products
History
“WHERE ARE YOU GOING COMTADINE FIÈRE? I'M GOING TO THE VENTOUX TO PICK FLOWERS FOR THE LIQUEUR THAT BLACHÈRE MAKES”.
1835 - 1841
I'm the oldest distillery in Provence. But I'm more than just walls and machines. My heart beats to the rhythm of the people who run me. V.L Blachère, my founder, and his son, Auguste Blachère, set me up in 1835 at 14 rue Molière, right in the heart of Avignon. I often escape and let myself be carried away by the powerful perfume that blows in from the heights of Mont Ventoux.
Its slopes are home to an abundance and variety of flora. Its aromas blossom in my head and penetrate my heart. O delicate plants of the sun! Thyme, rosemary, marjoram, lemon balm, lavender... I draw from them for my liqueurs all the flavors of the garrigue, all the scents of this land where everything is perfume and color.
The beneficial properties of these plants have been recognized in Provence for generations, but I treasure my secrets when it comes to combining these simple ingredients. Mixtures and macerations take place within my walls.
My first liqueurs are of ancient origin. In the 18th century, a religious chemist, the Reverend Brother Imbert, invented products with curative properties. I drew inspiration from this to create my eau d'arquebuse “La Magistrale”.
1951 - 1989
In 1951, following in the footsteps of Louis Blachère, grandson of Auguste Blachère, Louis Guiot took over my management. My production diversified with the development of old marcs: La Réserve des Légats and Vieux Marcs de Provence GROS CALAN. I introduce a new aniseed-flavored aperitif, Pastis Marra, originally created by a colleague from Isle-sur-Sorgues, Michel Marra.
Local pastry chefs incorporate some of my liqueurs into their creations. My Rhum “Zoulla”, a pure rum from Martinique, is used in many recipes. My “Origan du Comtat” is used in the composition of a local product, Papalines d'Avignon, fine chocolates with a liqueur heart.
In 1960, I launched “PAC Citron”, a syrup made from sugar and lemon, without coloring agents. It was a huge success throughout the region, and from then on became my flagship product.
We owe its name, PAC Citron, to Louis Guiot, who composed it from the first letter of each of his children's first names: Pierre, Annick, Christian and Colette. Each of my products has its own story!
1989 - 1993
In 1989, Jean-Claude Blachère took over my management. A lover of the Camargue, he offered me three new spirits, reflecting this wild region.
Its vast expanses, its manades, its black bulls and white horses, its pink flamingos, are all beauties that inspired him.
My liqueur “La Camarguaise”, made with thyme and rosemary from the hinterland, comes from an ancient recipe. The “Lou Gardian” aperitif is a sweet blend of wine and peach. As for my “Pastis Camarguais”, it's one of the last pastis made the old-fashioned way. These three beverages remain in the spirit that I cultivate and add to my Provencal universe, that of the Camargue. I escape. I broaden my horizons. I also innovate with my first screen-printed bottle, for “La Camarguaise”. Escapism and innovation make my passion for all these traditional “potions” grow.
1993 - 2023
In 1993, with my new owners, Sandrine Blachère and Raphaël Vannelle, I moved to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a village renowned for its famous vineyards. Energized by this new lease of life, I fitted out vast warehouses, improved my management efficiency, and extended my business area from Valence to Toulon.
I also give a new look to my century-old liqueurs: the bottles become more refined, but retain the beauty and charm of their labels.
Finally, I open a store for sales and tasting. Keen to make it a warm and welcoming place, I decorate it with objects inherited from my history: awards from the past, photos full of memories, and even a few rare bottles of my “Thé au Magot”, a delicious mandarin liqueur, which I no longer make.
