Les Vignerons d’Alignan-Neffiès

Archetypal French co-operative, Les Vignerons d’Alignan-Neffiès make modern-style varietal wines. The village of Alignan-du-Vent is situated just to the north of Pézenas, itself just north-east of Béziers, in the Hérault region. This is a huge wine growing area and was the centre of the French wine co-operative movement in the 1920s and 1930s.

The co-op at Alignan-du-Vent was built in 1936 and has been progressively enlarged over the years. In 2009, it amalgamated with the neighbouring Neffiès co-operative although the great majority of the production is at Alignan. The terroir here is mainly clay and limestone, with areas suitable for the production of both white and red varieties. The climate is generally Mediterranean although it also benefits from a north wind from the mountains which aids slow ripening and vineyard health. The Neffiès vineyards are nearer the Montagne Noire, generally on slopes with a more diverse terroir. 

Today, there are about 100 members growing vines on about 600 ha. These are mostly planted with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah Viognier, Muscat and Pinot Noir. Plot selection is important and winemaking techniques combine modernity and tradition. The winery has a capacity of 80,000 hectolitres and about 350 oak barrels, mainly for Chardonnay. Fermentation is generally in concrete, with ageing on lees as well as barrel. Organic production is increasing and about 75% of the total production is exported. Domaine Grauzan is an area which is planted and so has been