Domaine Vrignaud

Domaine Vrignaud is a family-run Chablis producer in Burgundy that has transformed itself from cooperative membership into an independent winemaker in just over two decades. Since Guillaume Vrignaud took over in 1999, the domaine has grown from 12 hectares to 28 hectares—all organically farmed—and earned recognition including 'Fine White Wine of The Year' at the 2024 Sommelier Wine Awards for their 2022 Chablis. What sets them apart is Guillaume's deliberate philosophy: he makes precise, mineral-driven Chablis rather than fat and full wines, backed by meticulous vineyard work and a scrupulously clean cellar.

About Domaine Vrignaud

Guillaume Vrignaud's decision to build an independent cellar in the late 1990s proved decisive. The domaine now works 12 parcels across vines ranging from 15 to 50 years of age, distributed over 14 hectares split among three distinct soil types: Kimmeridgian limestone, white clay, and Portlandian. Guillaume believes his best Chablis comes from blending fruit across all three soils, which gives wines layered complexity and terroir expression.

In the cellar, Domaine Vrignaud operates with a minimalist approach. Stainless-steel tanks dominate—90% of all fermentation happens in steel—and since 2005, Guillaume has fermented exclusively with indigenous yeasts. This choice, he explains, delivers "more fruit and minerality" than commercial yeast cultures. Malolactic fermentation is not blocked, and the wines see no oak aging, allowing the pure expression of Chablis character to shine through.

Picking discipline underpins the house style. Guillaume harvests at the precise moment when grape seeds turn brown, timing the pick to avoid any development of botrytis or excessive ripeness. This precision harvesting yields wines displaying an appealing aromatic brightness and crisp character on the nose, supple yet taut fruit in the mouth, and a bracing mineral edge that punctuates the closing. The 1er Cru wines are aged before release, building complexity that few peers match. Guillaume's Premier Cru Fourchaume parcels—including the historic 'Côtes de Fontenay' (once known as 'La Grande Côte' in the 16th century) and the small-production 'Les Vaupulans'—showcase flinty, mineral-driven expressions of individual vineyard character.

Domaine Vrignaud Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 2023 Chablis (89 points, Jasper Morris; 91 points, Tim Atkin). This village-level wine captures Guillaume's house style: green and flinty on the nose with precision and mineral cut. It's your entry point to his winemaking philosophy and excellent value for daily drinking.

For a step up, the 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume (91 points, Jasper Morris; 92 points, Tim Atkin) shows real depth. Fourchaume's flinty character on the nose gives way to a rich yet tight palate with striking length—a wine that rewards food pairing and will age gracefully.

The 2022 Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume Les Côtes de Fontenay (93 points, Jasper Morris) is the collector's choice. From vines on the south-facing slope of the historic 'Grande Côte' parcel, this wine mingles scents of fennel and flowers with a precisely balanced palate. Limited production (just over a hectare) and higher scores reflect its pedigree.

Finally, the 2022 Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume Les Vaupulans (91 points, Jancis Robinson; 92 points, Jasper Morris) comes from a small parcel within Fourchaume with 25-year-old average vines. It represents a more singular expression of a single microsite, ideal if you're exploring Chablis Premier Cru complexity.

Food Pairing

Domaine Vrignaud's wines thrive with seafood and vegetables. The village Chablis pairs beautifully with oysters, clams, and white fish. The 1er Cru Fourchaume bottlings handle richer dishes: scallops in butter sauce, halibut with fennel, or even roasted chicken with herbs. The minerality and acidity cut through fat and cleanse the palate between bites, making these wines natural partners for restaurant cooking and home entertaining alike.

Why did Guillaume Vrignaud leave the cooperative?

In 1999, Guillaume convinced his father to build their own cellar and make wines independently. The results were so successful the domaine grew from 12 to 28 hectares of organically farmed vines.

What does indigenous yeast fermentation do for the wines?

Guillaume has used only indigenous yeasts since 2005. He believes they deliver 'more fruit and minerality' compared to commercial cultures, contributing to the precision and mineral character of his Chablis.

What makes the Les Côtes de Fontenay wine special?

This Premier Cru comes from a historic parcel known as 'La Grande Côte' in the 16th century. Guillaume has just over a hectare here; the south-facing aspect produces a perfumed wine with fennel and floral notes.

Who makes Domaine Vrignaud wines?

Guillaume Vrignaud founded the independent domaine in 1999 in Chablis, Burgundy. The family-run producer has expanded from 12 to 28 organically farmed hectares over two decades.

What style of wine does Domaine Vrignaud make?

Domaine Vrignaud makes precise, mineral-driven Chablis from Chardonnay using stainless steel and indigenous yeasts, with no oak aging. The 2023 Chablis scores 89 points and displays green, flinty character.

How much does Domaine Vrignaud wine cost?

Prices range between £28.30 and £46.80. The village Chablis starts at £28.30; Premier Cru selections range from £43.70 to £46.80.