Following in the footsteps of the pioneering Aime and Veronique Guibert of Daumas Gassac, Laurent Vaillé established his Domaine in Aniane, in the Gassac valley of the Northern Languedoc, in 1989. After learning from winemaking masters at Coche-Dury, Chave, and Domaine Trevallon, Vaillé planted his distinctly limestone rich terroir with Syrah and Marsanne cuttings from Chave, and Cabernet from Trevallon. 

Though this rouge is classified as a humble "Vin de Pays," this is only because the Vaillé family chooses to use a blend of grapes - 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre, 10% Cabernet and 10% Counoise - which does not conform to Languedoc AOC laws. As importer Kermit Lynch notes, "the simultaneous restraint and power of his wines makes them ideal for aging." Extremely low yields of 20-25 hl/ha ensure exceptional concentration (lower than regulations require for Grand Cru vineyards), and traditional Burgundian elevage in 228 liter barrels make this a true vin de garde, and one of the benchmarks for the region.