CHATEAU TOURRIL

Château Tourril: a family estate in the heart of Minervois, where heritage, nature and modernity meet

A visionary family and a terroir rich in history. More than thirty years ago, the Kandler family, of French and German origins, chose to settle in Languedoc at a time when the region had not yet received the recognition it enjoys today. Captivated by the wild landscapes of Roubia, located between the majestic Cité de Carcassonne and the peaceful Canal du Midi, they chose this land to found Château Tourril.

The name of the estate pays tribute to the “Pierre du Tourril,” the remains of a Gallo-Roman tower that has overlooked the garrigue for more than two thousand years. This ancient and timeless symbol perfectly embodies the spirit of the estate: respect for the past, deep roots in the terroir, and a desire to move forward.

In 2014, Stéphane Kandler took over the property. A former sailor who competed in the America’s Cup, he brought with him fresh energy and a modern vision. In 2017, he converted the vineyard to organic farming, driven by a strong ambition: to produce wines that respect the land and faithfully express the identity of the Minervois.

An award-winning organic vineyard showcasing Mediterranean grape varieties

Château Tourril now spans 16 hectares planted on south-west-facing clay-limestone soils. These natural conditions provide an ideal balance of warmth, light and freshness, allowing the local grape varieties to express their full intensity.

The vineyard is home to:

• – Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault for the reds and rosés;
• – Roussanne and Rolle for the whites.

The estate favours manual harvesting, respects natural fermentations with indigenous yeasts, and uses oak ageing for certain cuvées. This patient, precise work brings forth authentic wines marked by the fragrant garrigue that defines the Minervois.

Cuvées that express the sun, wind and earth of Languedoc

Each wine from Château Tourril reveals a different facet of the terroir:

• Vieilles Canailles
  A full-bodied, deep and distinctive red crafted from old vines with remarkable concentration.
• Havana Rosé Organic
  A fresh, charming and refined rosé, perfect for summer or sun-filled cuisine.
• Hélios Blanc Organic
  A bright, airy and delicate white shaped by the warmth of the South and the coolness of Languedoc nights.
• Nacarat
  An expressive, intense cuvée revealing the aromatic power of Mediterranean red grapes.
• Panatella
  A generous, round, sun-driven wine that remains beautifully balanced.
• Les Cyprès Rosé Organic
  A lively, elegant rosé perfect for gastronomy or aperitifs.
• Les Cyprès Blanc Organic
  A crisp, mineral, finely chiselled white typical of clay-limestone soils.
• ÔVIE (Natural & Organic)
  A natural wine with no additives—free, vibrant and focused on pure fruit expression.

Each cuvée tells a story: that of an authentic vineyard, a generous climate and a family that has never stopped believing in the potential of the Minervois.

To explore Château Tourril at its best, would you prefer to begin with a bold red like Vieilles Canailles, or with a more airy white such as Hélios Blanc Organic ?