Famille Bouzignac, viticulture as close to nature as possible

The vines of Rabette, belonging to Manon Bouzignac's uncle for over 20 years, entered a new era in 2012 when her parents partnered to purchase a winemaking cellar in the Saint-Émilion appellation.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

How did the estate come to life?

The Vines of Rabette

This alliance gave birth to Château Bigaroux, where gardening principles and respect for plants are adapted and combined with vine cultivation. The Bouzignac family is distinguished by its unique approach to viticulture, utilizing infused plant mixtures and herbal teas as their main allies against diseases. The use of horses for soil work and the presence of earthworms testify to a commitment to the organic life of the soils.

At the cellar, Manon’s uncle and other family members advocate for minimal intervention, allowing the wines to develop naturally. This low-intervention winemaking approach is risky, as the wine can "turn to vinegar" at any moment, but when mastered, the resulting wines are all the more creamy and fruity. This working philosophy is reflected in every cuvée produced by the Bouzignac family, ensuring high-quality, healthy wines.

How is the passion for wine passed down through the family?

A Passion That Transcends Generations

The passion for wine is passed down from generation to generation within the Bouzignac family. While for Manon's parents and uncle, this passion dates back to 1997, for the current generation, it has been refined through the harvests and experiences in the wine cellar. The daily motivation of the Bouzignac family is fueled by a deep love for their craft and a desire to continually learn and improve. Each vintage presents a new challenge to be met, a seasonal marathon that every member of this winemaking family runs with dedication and determination.

The Bouzignac family's most beautiful memory is undoubtedly the bottling of their first no-input wine, vinified in an amphora. This experience, marked by intense emotions, between the fear of wine diseases and immense joy when the wine turned out delicious, was unforgettable. Each bottling is a moment of emotion, symbolizing the hard work of an entire year. Their rosé, "Cuvée De L’aurore," surprising and complex, perfectly reflects the personality of the Bouzignac family: intriguing, surprising, and sincere! Each cuvée is an invitation to a journey that transports the taster through a story rich in emotions.

What projects are shaping the future of the estate?

Sharing and Friendliness at the Heart of the Estate

The Bouzignac family constantly innovates to step off the beaten path and offer exceptional wines. They have chosen to replant their oldest Merlot vines, which are 80 years old, to preserve the genetic richness of these vines and further improve the quality of their wines. Their ambition does not stop there, as the family is also developing a pop-up restaurant, guesthouses, and wellness workshops to offer a complete wine tourism experience and put sharing at the heart of their activities.

This value of sharing that drives the family is reflected in their daily work. A memorable anecdote for the family is the exceptional harvest of 2022. While the manual harvest was in full swing, they had to pause the picking because the tanks were overflowing. Resuming the harvest the following week as a family was a memorable moment that illustrated the spirit of collaboration and conviviality that reigns within the estate. Their motto,

The only way to achieve excellence is to passionately love what you do

perfectly reflects their commitment and passion for their wines and terroirs.

Discover the wines of Famille Bouzignac directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Famille Bouzignac

Where is Château Bigaroux, the Bouzignac family estate?

The estate sits in the Saint-Émilion appellation, in the Gironde. The family has been making wine there since 2012, around the old Rabette plots farmed by Manon's uncle.

Which grape does the Bouzignac family grow?

Merlot leads the way, as it often does in Saint-Émilion. Their oldest vines, around eighty years old, were replanted to protect that genetic heritage.

What does farming close to nature mean here?

The soils are worked by horse and kept alive by earthworms and organic matter. To fight disease, the family relies on plant infusions rather than chemicals.

How are the wines made?

In the winery, the team steps back and lets the wine shape itself. This demanding method yields supple, fruity cuvées, including a first no-input wine raised in amphora.

Can you visit the Bouzignac family estate?

Yes, the family is building a full wine tourism project, with a pop-up restaurant, guest lodges and wellness workshops. Sharing sits at the heart of estate life.