History of the Aniane vineyard

From the left bank of the Hérault River to the Séranne and Arboussas massifs, the vineyards of Aniane stretch across a great diversity of landscapes and soils. Gravel, sandstone, limestone, and yellow marl make up the matrix of a terroir of great complexity that is now renowned. Let us add above all the temperament of the winegrowers, who in the respect of cultural methods honor this heritage, through a great variety of top-of-the-range wines. Signed IGP Pays d'Oc, IGP Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, AOC Coteaux du Languedoc, Terrasses du Larzac, they are touring the world. And more modestly, they sit at your table to make your glasses and plates clink. The vineyards play on the range of several grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, CYNAULT, Carignan, Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne Vermentino, Chardonnay and many others. The result is wines with a beautiful concentration of aromas. The red wines reveal their fruity palette, the whites and rosés offer pleasant balances on fresh and fruity profiles.

Aniane's viticultural history dates back to Roman times, when the Romans introduced the cultivation of vines in the region. In the Middle Ages, the Abbey of Aniane, founded in 782 by Saint Benedict of Aniane, played an important role in the development of the local vineyard. The monks of the abbey developed innovative cultivation and vinification techniques, which resulted in the production of high quality wines. Over the following centuries, the vineyard of Aniane continued to develop, despite the wine crises that affected the region. In the 19th century, the appearance of phylloxera caused serious damage to the vineyards of France and Aniane was not spared. However, the local winegrowers were able to overcome this crisis by replanting resistant grape varieties, which allowed the vineyard to be reconstituted. Today the vineyard of Aniane is famous for its red wines, which are produced from grape varieties such as grenache, syrah and mourvèdre. The white wines are made from grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. This renaissance is notably due to the impetus of the GUIBERT family and the Mas de Daumas Gassac, who bring out the excellence of this vineyard.
The terroir of Aniane was already perfectly suited to the cultivation of wine. However, it is under the impulse of the oenologist Enjalbert who detected the exceptional quality of the soil, that the wines of Aniane, with this so subtle aromatic pallet, imposed themselves among the greatest wines.

Its privileged microclimate, characterized by a cool night-time temperature in the summer season carried by breezes blowing from the Larzac foothills, allows Aniane to produce exceptional wines. The climate of Aniane is generally Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, Aniane's microclimate may differ from that of the surrounding region due to its specific geographical characteristics, such as its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the town's altitude and the local vegetation.
The city is located in the Hérault department, which is known for its varied topography, ranging from coastal plains to inland hills and mountains. Aniane is located in the foothills of the Cevennes Mountains, which rise to the north of the city. Aniane is therefore sheltered from the strong Tramontane winds that can blow through the region, but it can also be subject to cooler temperatures and higher rainfall than other areas of the region.
Overall, Aniane's microclimate is relatively mild and sunny, with average temperatures of about 14°C in winter and 28°C in summer. The city receives about 800 mm of precipitation per year, most of which falls in the fall and winter. However, temperatures and rainfall can vary considerably from year to year, depending on weather conditions and other factors.

Thanks to their great diversity, the wines of Aniane offer many possibilities for food and wine pairing. The red Languedoc goes perfectly with regional dishes such as grilled Aubrac beef rib. The red IGP Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is best served with gizzard salads, grilled meats or ewe's milk cheese. Finally, the red IGP Pays d'Hérault, goes well with red and white meats and poultry.
This aromatic palette quickly won over well-known artists such as Gérard Depardieu or the Californian Mondavi, pioneer of the Napa Valley (one of the first wine regions in the world with more than 400 wineries and famous for its precious Cabernet Sauvignon).

In 782 by Wittiza, better known as Saint Benedict, founded the monastery of Aniane
The building was completely destroyed between 1562 and 1572 during the wars of religion.
In 1633, it became part of the congregation of Saint-Maur, a congregation of French Benedictine monks founded in 1618. Known for its high level of scholarship, it takes its name from Saint Maur (died in 565), a disciple of Saint Benedict to whom the introduction of the Benedictine rule and life in Gaul is attributed. This congregation undertook a long reconstruction of the monastery, which was completed during the French Revolution.
The reconstruction project of 1661 is the one that corresponds most exactly to the realization. The church to the north has a rectangular nave with side chapels, no transept and a reduced choir, surrounded by the conventual buildings.

Following its sale in 1791, the Farel family bought the place to transform it into a spinning mill. The spinning mill operated from 1793 to 1843 and employed up to 150 workers.
In 1842, the director of the central prison of Montpellier visited the old abbey of Aniane with the aim of installing a new penitentiary center which became operational in 1845. Major works were then carried out: new access, construction of the wings of the main courtyard, the surrounding wall, the barracks (today's elementary school); addition of a second floor on one of the conventual buildings to increase the capacity of the dormitories of the central prison.
In 1885, the central prison became a penal colony for minors. This colony welcomed minors who worked in workshops. They produced everything necessary for the institution and the other Correctional Education Houses in the country.

The main changes followed the 1945 ordinance. This led to the generalization of juvenile courts, the creation of the position of juvenile judge and the Public Institutions for Supervised Education (IPES). In 1953, Aniane became an IPES, giving priority to vocational training by obtaining a CAP (vocational training certificate), before becoming a Specialized Institute for Supervised Education (ISES) in 1975. These last two stages reflect a desire for education and reintegration. The Ministry of Justice closed the site in 1998.
Following the closure in 1998, the site was abandoned. In 2010, the Communauté de Communes Vallée de l'Hérault bought the abbey so that it could be protected and developed, notably through excavation campaigns conducted by the CNRS.

The Guibert family has been established in Aniane since 1970. Created by Véronique and Aimé Guibert, the Mas de Daumas Gassac is today managed by Samuel, Gaël, Roman and Basile Guibert. The estate produces two great wines for aging, the Mas de Daumas Gassac Red and White and a sparkling wine Rosé Frizant.

On terroirs of grèzes, glacial dust, and Lutetian limestone have been planted nearly forty varieties of vines. The respect of nature and the search for the natural expression of the Gassac valley terroir, leading to low yields, characterize the spirit of Daumas Gassac wines. Its wines (red, white and rosé) are classified outside any appellation. Nevertheless, the wines of the estate, given the exceptional quality of its vineyard terroir, have acquired a national and worldwide reputation as a "Grand Cru du Languedoc". Fruit of the meeting between the richness of a singular terroir in Languedoc and the know-how of Daumas Gassac, the Moulin de Gassac collection expresses since 1991, our will to conjugate elegance and greed.

Guibert Family

In the 20th century, Château Capion changed owners several times. Sold in 1900 to a family of wine merchants, the Wormsers, they were tragically deported to Auschwitz in 1944. In the 1960s, the Château belonged to the Salasc family, whose own land had been expropriated during the creation of the Salagou lake near Lodève. In 1996, the Bürher family moved to Capion and undertook a renovation of the Château's grounds, adding fountains, a formal garden, an ornamental pond and an Italian-style dovecote.

In 2016, Chateau Capion was purchased by Oleg Chirkunov. With a major overhaul of the vineyard, as well as the conversion of the estate to organic farming, a new stage in the history of Capion has begun. Today, we welcome the public all year round for our tastings and cultural events, which are always popular.

Elena Martinova

The Grange des Pères estate was born at the end of the 1980's with Laurent Vaillé, who, after an internship with Eloi Dürrbach in Trévallon, then with Gérard Chave and Jean-François Coche Dury, took over the family estate, completed by a few parcels of garrigue in the Arboussas massif. After 3 years of clearing the land, the first vines were planted in 1988, and gave their first vintage in 1992. The success was immediate, and to this day, the domain counts 13 Ha of vineyard and the famous red wine of the domain is composed of Syrah and Mourvèdre at 35/40%, of Cabernet Sauvignon, of Counoise and Petit Verdot since 2006 for the latter. The exceptional white wine (produced on 2 Ha and at less than 5 000 bt/year), is composed of Roussane at 80%, Marsanne at 15% and Gros Manseng for the rest (the Chardonnay has disappeared since 2008 and has been grafted in Roussane).

Mr. Alain Vaillé

The Domaine des Conquêtes is a small family estate created in 1996 by Mr. Philippe ELLNER, from Champagne. With a surface area of 16 hectares, our vineyard is spread over the communes of Aniane and Puéchabon, benefiting from an exceptional terroir. The family business elaborates very expressive wines, reflecting the best of the region, while respecting the environment. Certified H.V.E (High Environmental Value), the estate strives to analyze the evolution of the vine as well as diseases in order to be able to act in a targeted, precise and timely manner. Since 2017, the domain lets "Mother Nature take over" by not working the soil.

ELLNER family

From the Mas de la Séranne, we have a magnificent view of the chain of hills that gave its name to the domain, and its highest point, the Pic Baudille.

In 1998, we decided to return to our native Languedoc and change our professional life. Everything had to be created but the passion for the vine and wine was there.

At the beginning, only 5 hectares. Little by little, the estate expanded by acquiring small parcels. Today, the 17 hectares in organic farming are made up of about twenty grape varieties. Some of them are experimental in order to measure the impact of global warming on the vines. Seduced by the preserved site, we continue each year to embellish it by rebuilding the dry stone walls or by planting Mediterranean species.

Isabelle, Jean-Pierre and Amandine VENTURE

The Domaine Croix de Saint-Privat covers about twenty hectares located in the golden triangle of Languedoc. A clay-limestone terroir with triangulated pebbles and rolled pebbles. A poor soil that requires suffering and effort to create exceptional aromas. Perfectly drained, the roots go down deep into the soil to feed themselves. The red wines are made from Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan. The white wines are made with white grenache for the sweet and viognier for the dry. The vines are cultivated in the greatest respect and in organic culture "ECOCERT" since 2011. The tastings at the cellar will convince you of the quality of their work.

Noëlle and Olivier Ferrié

Resulting from a heritage existing for more than three generations, the vineyard extends over 30 hectares of traditional grape varieties in a still wild nature between Arboussas and the foothills of the Cevennes. Most of the work is done manually to preserve the soil and the stumps. Severe pruning, ploughing, natural fertilization... green harvesting, leaf removal and harvesting by the hands of the winegrowers give the grapes all the guarantees of a good wine. These wines, matured in Burgundy barrels, are called "Les Pampres" or "Le Mas Laval - Grande Cuvée" in red, "Les Souls" or "Les Pampres Blancs" in white, and "Le Rosé du Mas Laval".

Christine and Joël LAVAL

Domaine Fons Sanatis is managed by Benoït Braujou. He makes his own wine, outside of the cooperatives, after having learned the trade from Yves Cuilleton. Benoît Braujou wishes to be as close to nature as possible when cultivating his 7 hectares. Typical grape varieties of the region are found in these wines such as Aramon or Carignan. Almost all the wines of the domain are aged in barrels for a more or less long time, to obtain wines that are greedy, solid and frank.

Benoït Braujou

Marc and Régis Puccini, farmers at heart and passionate about wine, have started a great adventure by taking over this estate located on the terroirs of Aniane where so many famous wines are produced.
It is in a soil rich in diversity that they decided to share their passion for wine with you by opening the "360", the Mas des Armes wine cellar.
The whole team will be delighted to welcome you and help you discover their colorful, dynamic and gourmet wines, as well as their terroir.
"Let yourself be surprised and seduced for moments of conviviality and pleasure.

Marc and Régis Puccini

Xavier Braujou worked in parallel until 2008 to finance the extension of his estate.

A tireless worker and meticulous winemaker, knowing where he is going, the self-taught winemaker today knows his terroir perfectly, and also masters his maturation, as well as the time of "rest" if necessary after a bottling.
Without concession, he does not hesitate to keep in the cellar a wine that could disappoint in its youth but that will prove to be exceptional in a few years.
As it is also the philosophy of Vignerons d'Exception, we fell in love with it. After tasting, it was impossible not to select these wines, even if illustrious neighbors located around the famous village of Aniane are already well present in our cellars (Cal Demoura, Chabanon, Daumas Gassac, Montcalmès ... among others).

Xavier Braujou

Settled since 2007 in the Aniane area, in the heart of the Larzac terraces, Pierre Vaïsse started with only two small hectares, on the pebbles, clay and limestone of the area. Inspired by his friends Laurent Vaillé and Frédéric Pourtalié, he quickly produced deep wines that combine fleshiness and smoothness. The wines are aged for a long time so that they become more refined, with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. The accuracy of the wines and the respect of the terroir expressions confirm the talent of this winemaker who should go even further.

Pierre Vaïsse

The Domaine de l'Anio, a small family property, perpetuates the artisanal know-how of several generations of passionate winemakers.
This wine, harvested with care, is a charming wine, with greedy notes of red fruits. It is thanks to the help of Sébastien Carceller, a talented winemaker, that the wines of Anio take on all their grandeur. A wine to share in conviviality on many occasions.

Marie-Christine and J. Pierre Vanruyskensvelde

The Domaine du Mas Alexandre has been a family property for six generations. Its vines are located all around Aniane and are made from traditional Languedoc grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and a rarer variety called Caladoc. The latter have enabled us to produce, in 2012, the first vintages: Les Espérelles red and rosé. Classified IGP Saint-Guilhem le Désert.

Stéphanie Causse / Laurent Dubois

Vineyard of 9,5 ha of vines (grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, chenin) located in the Terrasses du Larzac. Work in organic farming. In 2018, they finally found a chardonnay vineyard - a grape variety that is dear to them - south of Jonquières, and took over a few small plots of old cinsaults, mourvèdre and old black carignans close to our Combariolles islet in Jonquières. In 2019, their plot of land is increased to 13.2 ha with the acquisition of a little less than 3 ha of vineyards located at Combariolles.

Mr. and Mrs. Baron Guillaume and Hélène

The Domaine de la Grande Sieste is a property bought in March 2015 by the couple Boris and Leticia LECLERCQ and their two daughters.
This family cultivates 14 hectares of vines on an exceptional terroir: Aniane.
The estate produces elegant, fruity wines with a nice freshness.

Leticia and Boris Leclercq

Domaine La Chapelle Saint-Mathieu was born in 2017 in the Languedoc region thanks to its founder Jean-Emmanuel Parcé who partnered with Dauvergne and Ranvier. Located in Aniane in the Hérault, it was through tedious work that our winemaker cleared 10 hectares of land, untouched for 50 years, and replanted vines. The domain was thus able to start directly in organic despite the need to wait 3 years to obtain the Ecocert label.
The domain La Chapelle Saint-Mathieu was able to pay tribute to the former owner of the domain's land. It is with great emotion that Mr. JOURDE found his name on the labels of the domain, thus "rebirth" of his former property. Anxious to differentiate himself from the labels of La Rectorie, Jean-Emmanuel Parcé wanted to highlight his works of art to dress his vintages in order to better distinguish himself.

Xavier JAOUL