Domaine d'Hondrat: atypical Languedoc wines

Meet Romain and Caroline Vigroux, two winemakers who stand out in their region by producing uniquely atypical wines.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

How did the family's winemaking story begin?

Born in the World of Wine, You Stay in It

Domaine d’Hondrat epitomizes the traditional vineyard. Established in 1891, it has been passed down through five generations of the same family. Romain has been at the helm of the estate for over fifteen years as a worthy successor.

When you’re born into the world of wine, you stay in it!

comments his wife, Caroline. Although Caroline did not come from a winemaking family, she was not immune to the “wine virus.”

Initially, I helped Romain with the estate whenever I had some free time. But I quickly felt the need to become more involved. It gradually became my profession and then my life,

Caroline recounts.

What makes the vineyard and its terroir stand out?

A Vineyard Like No Other

Located in the heart of the Bassin de Thau, Domaine d’Hondrat spans 80 hectares of vineyards. The vineyard is planted on clay-limestone and gravelly soil, with part of it classified as A.O.P Coteaux du Languedoc. Over the years, Romain and Caroline have expanded their wine range. Today, Domaine d’Hondrat produces four white wines, two rosé wines, and one red wine.

Our vines, located near the Thau Lagoon and the sea, produce wines with a pronounced iodized flavor, which is why we focus on rosé and white wines. This is an advantage for us as it allows us to stand out from local winemakers who primarily offer red wines,

the winemaking couple highlights.

Which grape varieties shape the estate's wines?

Atypical blends and varietals

Except for the red wine cuvée “Syrah,” Domaine d’Hondrat’s rosé wines are primarily blends of Grenache Gris and Mourvèdre, two grape varieties less commonly used in Languedoc compared to Grenache or Syrah, which are the region’s flagship varietals.

Our rosé wines tend more towards bitterness than sweetness, with a dominant citrus aromatic profile. For white wines, we chose Chardonnay and Viognier, mainly for their freshness,

Romain and Caroline explain.

What is behind the original bottle designs?

Original Packaging for Distinctive Wines

The unique spirit of Domaine d’Hondrat’s wines is also reflected in their bottles. For example, the rosé wine cuvée “H” is presented in an opaque white bottle with either a flashy pink or white label.

The idea was to do some marketing by creating original packaging. However, we also offer our rosé in a transparent bottle to cater to those who prefer the classic format,

Caroline adds. The most original packaging innovation remains the “Elle & Lui” cuvée, served in a bottle originally used for Martinican rum…

Discover the wines of Domaine d'Hondrat directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine d'Hondrat

Where is Domaine d'Hondrat located?

The estate covers 80 hectares in the Bassin de Thau, close to the lagoon and the Mediterranean. Part of the vineyard, on clay-limestone and gravel soils, falls under the AOP Coteaux du Languedoc.

Why do Domaine d'Hondrat wines taste iodized?

Sitting near the Thau lagoon and the sea gives the grapes a clear saline edge. Romain and Caroline Vigroux turned it into their signature by favouring rosés and whites over red.

Which grapes go into the estate's rosés?

The rosés lean mainly on a blend of Grenache Gris and Mourvèdre, two varieties rarely seen in Languedoc, where Grenache and Syrah rule. They tilt toward bitterness and citrus rather than sweetness.

What makes Domaine d'Hondrat's packaging original?

The 'H' cuvée comes in an opaque white bottle with a bright pink or white label, and is also sold in clear glass. The 'Elle & Lui' cuvée is poured into a former Martinican rum bottle.

What wines does Domaine d'Hondrat make?

The range gathers four whites, two rosés and one red. The whites, from Chardonnay and Viognier, play on freshness, while the single red is built on Syrah.