Our Philosophy
A Whole Way of Life
Land of Wines
The Story
Our Team
Land of Wines
The Gaillac region has been home to viticulture since ancient times—more than 2,000 years ago. Its vineyards existed even before the town was founded in 972. The Gaillac appellation is the oldest in the Southwest region. It is synonymous with rich, diverse terroirs and was granted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status as early as 1938, a guarantee of the wines’ distinctive character and quality.
The Story
Château Les Vignals is located in Cestayrols, in the heart of the Gaillac wine region, on the lower slopes of the right bank. Historically, it was one of the first estates to adopt organic farming practices in the 1980s. After returning to conventional farming practices for a time, a new team has revived Les Vignals’ heritage by obtaining the Organic Farming certification in 2013, followed in 2020 by the Demeter Biodynamic certification.
Respect for the terroir, for the people who work in the vineyards, and the passing down of expertise form the foundation of the Vignals’ philosophy. Deeply attached to our terroir, we work primarily with local grape varieties such as Braucol, Duras, Mauzac, and Loin de L’œil, offering wines that venture off the beaten path—wines with personality and flavors unique to our vineyard. We produce wines under the Gaillac AOP and Côtes du Tarn IGP designations to offer you a diverse range of wines.
Our Team
Matteo: Full-bodied and rich, with a warm finish
Wine Expert
There’s no doubt that a touch of *La Dolce Vita* has been in the air at Les Chais ever since his arrival. Matteo, a rugby player in his spare time, brings a breath of fresh air, good humor, and a meticulous approach to our team. A globetrotter at heart, he’s coming up with many innovative ideas for the winemaking process. His touch will be evident in our future vintages!
Laurent: A crisp, tangy attack with a finish of mild spices
Sales Director
The driving force behind the sales department. Laurent wears many hats, juggling responsibilities on all fronts—whether in the capital, in the provinces, or even abroad. He takes care of his clients and colleagues alike with a cheerful disposition and the precision of a Swiss watchmaker.
Marie-Christine: Smooth, well-balanced notes
Store and Administration
You’ll often find her engrossed in her papers and her computer, hard at work. But don’t worry—she’ll gladly put down her keyboard to serve you in the wine cellar with her usual warmth and kindness.
Jean-Pierre: A full-bodied yet subtle flavor with a smooth finish
The Vineyard
The quiet one of the group! This local knows every plot like the back of his hand—our Gaillac grape varieties hold no secrets for him! A nature lover, this outstanding technician is unmatched when it comes to whispering to the vines.
Antoine: Vigorous and well-built with a solid foundation
The Vineyard
He is the estate’s elder statesman. He has spent his life in the vineyards and learned all the basics there. He knows how to listen to the vines and sense their needs; he knows when to pamper them and how. Like a conductor, he guides the vines with a firm hand.