Raphael Midoir – Menetou – www.raphaelmidoir.com

Raphael Midoir represents the 5th generation of this family-owned Domaine of 27ha in the heart of the region. He produces Sauvignon Blanc wines with classic varietal profile whether under the AOP Touraine, Menetou Salon, Sancerre or Pouilly Fumé. With vines aged between 5 to 35 years, the work in the vineyard is made scrupulously to optimise ripeness whilst retaining an adequate fruit and structure balance so important in the region.

RAVENTOS I BLANC – Penedes –

www.raventos.com –

In 1888, Manuel Raventós Doménech created a sparkling wine from Penedés featuring three native varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeu and Parellada. Over a century later, the descendants are still a strong advocate for respect of the environment. They decided to leave the CAVA appelation in their quest to  produce world class sparkling wines that best express  the quality of their terroir. Raventos I Blanc is certified biodynamic and highly respected the world over for their excellent range of wines.

Info soon to follow

MAISON PEYRAT – Cognac – Rhum

www.maisonpeyrat.com

Maison Peyrat was established at the end of the 19th century by Henri Peyrat who wanted to pass on his passion by giving priority to a family-based Cognac. Today, it is his grandson Philippe that seeks to let people discover the Cognac Peyrat and its outstanding blending made out of infinite richness and the soul of its terroir. The vines are located right in the heart of the appellation. The Peyrat has recently added to range some crafted Rhum whose production they import from Panama and the Caraibean

It’s in the DNA of Peyrat to offer a range of quality, as well as liquors while at the same time maintaining the original characteristics.

Domaine Ghislain Kohut – Couchey -www.domaine-kohut.com

Ghislain is part of the new generation of winemakers who have helped grow the appellation by the quality of wines produced. The particularity of Ghislain wines lies in the fact that it wants to be able to offer wines that can start to be appreciated as soon as they are released on the market. This is refreshing when we start to see way too young Burgundy wines on restaurant tables. The wines are kept until 24 months for better integration between fruits and élevage. Whether white or red the wines are precise. Les Genelières wines display delicate notes whilst Les Champs Perdrix are more serious but all the wines reveal the complexity of their sites.

Domaine Henri Magnien – Gevrey Chambertin –  www.henrimagnien.com

Charles Magnien took over in 1999, bringing to the Domaine an incredible momentum which means that today, we can not talk about Gevrey serious producers without considering Charles’ wines. Viticulture has been part of the Magnien family since the beginning of the 18th century and the Magniens have over the decades acquired plots on most renowned climats. Whether on the Lavaux St Jacques, Estournelles St Jacques, Cazetiers, Champeaux, and Ruchottes (the only producer with vines on both Haut and Bas Ruchottes), the wines of the domain are nowadays increasingly sought after. From the limited produced Bourgogne Pinot Noir Les Moutiers to the Villages all the way to the Cru Charles wines are making their marks are indisputably part of the top league.

DOMAINE DESAUNEY BISSEY – Vosne Romanée

Bruno Desaunay, with his father-in law, Daniel Bissey run this small family estate that have own several parcels of very old vines in Vosne (80 years), Echezeaux (110 years) Grands-Echezeaux (70 years), Chambolle (90 years), and Nuits St. Georges (60 years).  Since 2007 Bruno uses no herbicides or pesticides, all the soil are tilled and Bruno’s winemaking is very terroir-expressive. He does short pre-fermentation maceration, using indigenous yeasts, and is not a fan of obtrusive winemaking technics nor of too much extraction.  Ageing is spent in 1/3 new except and a tad more new oak for the Grands Crus depending on the vintages.  The wines are neither fined nor filtered.  The resulting wines are decidedly very Burgundy like very pure Pinot Noir fruits. They are perfumed and the balance between flavours and tannins is exquisite. We all know how hard it has become to find Vosne Romanée wines that offer wines with prices that are not over the odds…and if on top of that the style is beautifully Burgundy…Me I say…j’adore!!

Domaine Alain Michelot – Nuits Saint Georges – www.alainmichelot.com

Located right in the heart of the appellation, this family domain has been aptly run by Elodie Michelot for over two decades. Elodie represents the fourth generation. The vineyards spread over 7ha in Nuits-Saint-Georges and the family also owns just half a hectare in Morey Saint Denis. Since 2010, Elodie and his team have also been entrusted to look after a parcel and make wines from a most suitably located plot in Clos Vougeot. The style of the wines is a nice contrast to what the appelation has tended to offer over the last decades. With half the holdings in 1er Cru, the wines display all the attributes from such respected Climats and reflect their origins yet with grace and an quintessential harmony between fruits and structure. The tanins are beautifully integrated and the wines beautifully textured.

Domaine Rémi Jeanniard – Morey Saint Denis

A family estate of 6ha held by Rémi and his wife Maryse. After a stint working at Domaine Ponsot Rémi decided to concentrate on the family domain, making wines that reflect his personality ; discreet but certainly not lacking in self-confidence. Staying away from easy consensus the wines here are naturally elegant yet far from being fragile. The Ruchots are south of the appellation going towards Chambolled with vines nicely situated between the Clos de Tart and Les Bonnes Mares. The Ormes are further north when heading towards Gevrey.

DOMAINE VINCENT JEANNIARD – Pommard  

The domain was created from scratch by Vincent back in 2012 after he graduated from the Dijon lycée viticole and following a few years gaining work experiences at esteemed domains such as Bouchard Père et Fils and De Montille. Vincent partly owns or works ‘en fermage’ vineyards that nowadays amount to 2,5 ha spread over different appellations. Currently in his first year of organic conversion, Vincent makes the wines with minimal intervention and the red wines are worked the same way as to best express the quality of each terroir. The wines are not fined, filtered and use of oak is kept to a maximum of 20%.  The Bourgogne Pinot Noir is from vines form Pommard old vines. His Bourgogne Blanc Les Aures is one of the wine with Chardonnay planted in the Pommard appellation. His Hautes Cotes de Beaune vineyard is complanted with Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc giving welcomed vivacity in the wines. The Pommard wine is partly from les Petit Noizons parcels whilst the Savigny vines are from the reknown Les Planchots climat. A small domain expressing integrity.

DOMAINE JACQUES CARILLON 

Puligny Montrachet –

www.jacques-carillon.com

Tradition is the watchword here – hardly surprising for a family that can trace its viticultural genealogy back to 1632.

After the 2009 vintage Louis Carillon’s two sons, Jacques and François, have decided to go their own ways. Jacques is the eldest of the two brothers and has a deep understanding of his vineyards. A humble man at heart, his wines reflect his personality in that they do not scream of winemaking artifices -making them probably less visible on the wine world scene- Nonetheless, Jacques’ domaine has been one of the most successful and consistent domaines in Puligny Montrachet over the last decades. The wines have a striking purity of fruit, are beautifully understated, and beautifully precise. When compared to the strength in depth to be found in Meursault and Chassagne, there are relatively few producers in the first division in Puligny. Some obvious names garner the mediatic attention, but the wines from Jacques Carillon are their equal and often the best of their type. A definite must have!

DOMAINE LUDOVIC ET EMILIEN BONNARDOT – 

www.domaine-bonnardot.fr  

The two brothers Ludovic and Emilien joined forces in 2006. By the gradual recovery of vines in Côte and Hautes Côtes de Beaune, they naturally continued the work undertaken by their parents Elisabeth and Christophe who were already installed on the historic plots of the estate. After vinifying for 4 years on the family farm in Bonnencontre, they had the opportunity to settle in a winery in the heart of the vineyard, in Saint Aubin. Their aim is to perpetuate the history of this family of winegrowers established in Burgundy since 1470.

The domain is increasingly working their vineyards organically aiming to preserve the richness and the life of the soils. The average age of the vineyards is 40 years. Cordon de Royat (traditional pruning of Santenay and Maranges) and Guyot simple are the two pruning systems used in the vineyards. Manual harvest is in boxes with  sorting of the grapes at reception. Vinification is traditional with 12 to 18 months aging in oak casks and natural settling in barrel, no filtration nor fining is carried out. The white wine are barrel fermented with aging from 12 to 22 months in oak casks, natural settling in barrel, light filtration before bottling.  As much as possible no added sulfites is used at this domain.

MAISON JANOTSBOS – Meursault

www.janotsbos.eu

Thierry Janots is French, and Richard Bos is Dutch. They met when studying oenology at Beaune back in the mid-90’s. Joining forces in 2005 to create their now respected négoce house JanotsBos. Thierry has been able to draw from his winemaking experience after working at numerous well-reputed domains in the CÔte d’Or whilst Richard who is also a trained winemaker looks after the vineyards to ensure that their contract growers work according to their strict quality standards.

DOMAINE SEBASTIEN MAGNIEN  – Meursault

In his mid-thirties Sebastien Magnien has vinegrowing in his blood for he represents the fourth generation of vinegrowers. Whilst he initially founded the present domain with his mother, he now runs it with his wife; also a trained winemaker. This 12ha estate is located right in the heart of Meursault. Sebastien owns some well-sited Climats (lieux dits) in the appellation; Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Puligny-Montrachet, Saint Romain and in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. His traditional approach to working the vineyards and working in the cellar make for a very pure and elegant expression of both his Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.  Authentic wines for an authentic producer.

DOMAINE NINOT – Rully  

www.domaineninot.com 

The Ninot family have been either barrel makers or vignerons with a history dating back to the XIV century…but when Erell and Flavien Ninot’s father inherited the domain…He was only 14…with sheer determination and dedication to his land he succeeded in keeping the domain. Erell joined him and was recently seconded by his brother Flavien. Nowadays they run the domain with the same commitment to quality and respect to their terroir. Their 13 hectares domain is entirely converted to organic viticulture. A different style to JBPonsot wines which has also garnered a nice following with restaurateurs and amateurs alike for the wines exhibit a refreshing purity with mineral undertones for both colors.

DOMAINE JEAN BAPTISTE PONSOT – Rully

The domain was founded in 1954 by Lucien Ponsot. It was his son Bernard and today his grandson Jean- Baptiste that developed the domain gaining along the way a strong following for the quality of the wines across the range. Jean-Baptiste started to run the domain at the tender age of 20 but knew that quality was

the only way to go and that was by starting with meticulous work in the vineyards. He planted some vines in unexploited family parcels and nowadays works 8.5 hectares. Two third of which are 1er Cru in both colors.  The wines are matured in oaked (up to 30% new depending on the year) for 12 months and up to 6 months in tanks before being released. The wines are beautifully crafted and have helped in getting the spotlight onto an appellation that has become a definite stop-by region in recent years.

DOMAINE ROCHE GUILLON – Fleurie

www.rocheguillon.coperet.pagesperso-orange.fr 

A family owned domain, making extremely satisfying wines from Gamay. Bruno and Valérie Coporet are the fourth generation at this domaine, owning 9 hectares of vines perfectly located right in the heart of the gentling rolling hills of Fleurie. This domain is enjoying a loyal following for its amiable yet uncompromised style. Fleurie La Tonne vinyeards is located between Moulin à Vent and Chiroubles. Subsoil granite, sandy soil with vines averaging 45 years old. Fleurie Clos de la Tour vines are on gently rolling hills with granite-based soil from 60 years old vines. The south-east facing exposure combined with an altitude of over 350 metres ensure the vines yield ripe enough grapes whilst retaining a delicate aroma and structure typical of the appellation.

DOMAINE DES NUGUES – Fleurie 

www.domainedesnugues.com

A different style of Beaujolais is produced here, with longer élevage adding savoury notes to the Cru wines whilst retaining the pure fruit style of Gamay. They also produce a very enticing white Beaujolais, a rarity in the appellation, with a quality that easily challenges some more expensive Chardonnay from their better known Burgundian neighbors further north.

DOMAINE GAGET – Morgon

www.domaine-gaget.fr

A family domain run by Mikaël Gaget and located on the Côte du Py, one of the most reputed terroir of the Cru Morgon. The Côte de Py site is found in the south of Villié Morgon right above the hamlet de Haut Morgon. Withon only 358 m of elevation this site can produce wines of intense aromatic depth.

DOMAINE PIERRE GONON – Mauves  

This domain is seen as ‘the’ domain in the appellation and was founded in 1956 by Pierre Gonon. In 1989, Pierre Gonon handed over the direction of this revered 6ha family domain to his sons, Jean and Pierre. Both brothers are working with great assiduity their land following organic practices and using horses the plough the very steep vineyards, located in prime sites.

DOMAINE CHRISTIAN ROUCHIER – Saint-Jean-de Muzols 

www.domaine-rouchier.e-monsite.com  2.5 ha vineyards worked by horse by Christian Rouchier. Christian is one of those vignerons who offers a real authenticity both in his demeanor and his approach to vine growing and wine making. No artifice here, nothing added, nothing forced and Christian makes a point in treating both his Le Luc and Le Chave the same, the differences are thus a reflection of the terroir. The vines are superbly located high in the hills of St Jean-de-Muzols. The wines are certified organic since 2013. With this vintage came Christian’s decision to vinify separately his lieu-dits ‘Le Luc’ and Le Chave’.  Le Luc is on Gneiss/Granite soils whilst Le Chave is on Granite/Gneiss. Made in the same way (vinified with stems, aged in demi-muids, no intrant, no added sulphur) both wines are exhibiting differences in their structure and intensity of aromas.  

Christian released two Vin de France 2018; a Syrah made from a mix of younger vines and some older vines from the Le Puat lieu dit. Comes 2019 and Le Puat vines will be vinified separately. The Vin de France White is made from a blend of Chasselas, Marsanne with Viognier. A wine that is textural, with definite volume yet with no heaviness (courtesy of the Chasselas)? A white Rhône that would nicely stand up to cream based dishes. 

DOMAINE NICOLAS BADEL – Vernosc  

The domain spreads over 7 hectares.  Nicolas Badel works alone and tirelessly to produce the finest wines possible from his terroir. His labels feature a reproduction of the Roman coins from 75 BC that were found in the Intuition vineyard during planting.

Nicolas is an engineer but decided to dedicate his life to vines and wines and starting from scratch in 1999, he has since established himself as a key producer in the region.

The winery is located near Vernosc-lès-Annonay, high above the Rhône tributary Cance. He made his reputation with Intuition a testimony to his commitment to expressing the best of his vines

All his wines from his friendly Syrah and Viognier to his IGP, AOP Condrieu and Saint Joseph offering show the same elegance and invitation to the senses with no intrant and unecessary sulphur added during vinification.

Domaine Franck Balthazar – Cornas 

Franck is probably one of the most reputed domain in the appellation. The quality of the wines is testimony to the dedicated work in the vineyards. This tiny domain has become in the last decade a must-have.

DOMAINE EMMANUEL DARNAUD – La Roche de Glun

www.emmanueldarnaud.com

Emmanuel Darnaud had made a name for himself way before marrying into the Bernard Faurie family. He established his own domain back in 2001 in the Roche de Glun quarter of the Crozes Hermitage appellation and had slowly increased his vineyard holding in the appellation. Les Trois Chènes refers to oak trees where his vineyard is.  He In the last few years he purchased one of the prime sites from his father in law – lieu- dit Les Dardouille in Saint-Joseph adding to the domain high quality range of wines.

DOMAINE JACQUES BREYTHON – Beaumont Monteux    

www.domaine-breyton.com

Certified organic and biodynamic since 2002 this domain of 8ha located in the south of the appellation is offering some exciting Crozes Hermitage wines. It was great unravelling this small family domain managed by Jacques Breyton. The wines are made from non-destemmed grapes with the Tradition fermented in stainless steel to preserve the primary Syrah aromas and the ‘Futs de Chene’ is aged in large oak for less than a year just enough to add an extra layer of spicy complexity to the wine. 

CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE

DOMAINE DES SAUMADES – Courthézon

This tiny 2ha domain located in Courthézon is aptly run by husband and wife Franck et Murielle Mousset. The grapes are to be found in the reputed lieu-dit Pignan whose sandy based soil provides the 100% Grenache grapes with beautiful elegance. Matured in aged barrels for a year both the red and white wines from this domain reveal intense fruits and grace. The white is 50 % grenache blanc, 25 % clairette, 25 % bourboulenc and has an inviting onctuosity and salivating minerality. Both offerings are definite food wines!

GIGONDAS

DOMAINE BASTIDE SAINT VINCENT – Violès

Flanking the evocatively named Dentelles de Montmirail, with vines on the equally evocative Plateau des Garrigues, La Bastide St. Vicent is a delightful, family-owned wine domaine with 17th-century origins.

Laurent Daniel farms the famous trio – Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvdre grapes, vinifying them separately in a combination of cement and stainless steel. He keeps temperatures relatively low to allow full and generous expression of the fruit flavours.

COTE DU RHONE

DOMAINE FOND CROZE – Saint-Romain de Malegarde 

www.domaine-fondcroze.com

Côte du Rhone wines abound but sourcing good Côte du Rhone ticking all the boxes with regards to pure fruits that are not overworked at attractive prices is a challenge. The vineyards at Fond Croze are domain owned and farmed organically with their quality remaining consistent year in year out. The vines are just outside Cairannes and benefit from a northern exposure and topography bringing this lively energy in the wines; A winning proposition!

DOMAINE PIQUE BASSE – Roaix 

www.picque-basse.com

The name Pique-Basse is inspired by the local name of this area, ‘piquebas’, which roughly translates as ‘low podium’. And, indeed, a number of the plots situated around the cellar are slightly raised, while being part of the Roaix plain. This 12 ha family domain now runs by third generation Olivier Tropet is located in Roaix by the Ventabren massif and opposite Mont-Ventoux.

DOMAINE DE LA MADONNE – Champdieu 

www.lesvinsdelamadonne.fr

Gilles Bonnefoy founded the domain in 1997 and started tworking organically before becoming biodynamic certified in 2009. Gilles Bonnefoy not only wanted to work in unison with the environment but also with grape variety and Gamay variations that were long due a revival for they make inspiring wines. His domain is nowadays the one stop domain for anyone looking for Gamay that expresses the attributes of the local terroir. The vineyards are well exposed to ensure grape maturity with the high altitude conferring an elegant frame to the wine. The Dacite wine is from younger vines whilst the Migmatites is from vieilles vignes of over 45years old.

Domaine Cailhol Gautran – www.domainecailholgautran.com

Nicolas is the fourth generation of this 55ha family estate, which he runs with his wife Olivia in the heart of the Minnervois appellation. Located in the north of the region on the plateau de Cazelles; this area is on its way to be granted its Cru status with its distinct terroir attributes. Domaine Cailhol Gautran is set amongst the rolling countryside of the first foothills of the Massif Central. The hamlet of Cailhol lies in a valley carved out by a river – the Cessière which like the vineyards cut through the limestone Causse of the Haut Minervois. The altitude provides fresh aromatics whilst the nearby garrigue offers plenty of character and spices to the wines.

DOMAINE PIETRI GERAUD – Banuyls

www.domaine-pietri-geraud.com

Established at the end of the XIX Century, the domain is still run by the same family with mother and daughter Maguy and Laetitia now at the helm. Laetitia is the fifth generation who looks over the 20 hectares domain, most of which are planted on the beautiful slopes of Collioure and Banuyls. The difficult schist-based soil of old vines give small yields averaging 22hl/ha resulting in wines with a strong identity. The Banuyls Cuvée Joseph is made the traditional way under a “solera” system. Matured in cement on lees for a year followed by 6 years in large oak. The still red Collioure Sine Nomine cuvée is made from vines up to 100 years old producing a supple yet dense wine with personality.

DOMAINE TERREBRUNE – Ollioule, Bandol  

www.terrebrune.fr

In 1963 George Delille set eyes on the gorgeous area of Ollioule and decided to establish himself in the region to produce wines. Pioneer at the time upon deciding to work the land organically he released his first bottles in the early 1980’s. Reynal has pursued his father’s work and continue to make Bandol wines that are met with great enthusiasm from sommeliers and amateurs. The wines produced are known to reward cellaring. Their wines being their white, rosé and red which have the capacity to age gracefully, retaining elegance, minerality and intensity.

CHÂTEAU DES ANGLADES –  Hyères, Côte de Provence  

www.chateaudesanglades.com Château des Anglades was created in 1852 by the Marquis de Gairoird, also known as the Marquis de Pierrefeu. He was the biggest landowner in the region, but also the owner and creator of the first winery in the region of Gairoird Castle. The castle of the Anglades was his second home. In the late 90s, the Gautier family discovers the abandoned vineyard and acquired it. A major project of replanting and restructuring the estate was then done. Today the domain is run by Olivier Gautier with great enthusiasm and commitment in producing quality wines. The domain spans over 42hectares of which 27 hectares are dedicated to vines which are worked under organic principles (certification in process). Given its geographical location, the Château des Anglades enjoys a unique terroir with a very interesting soil structure. Schists and clay make up the majority of the soil that produce rosé wines with high aromatic potential. Moreover, the microclimate (sea breeze and Mistral) prevails on the soil of Hyères – La Londe the Maures -which has its own AOP – is a definite ally for growing healthy grapes. The domain produces different wines from the three colors with ‘Les Empreintes’ range at the top of the quality selection. Then follows the ‘Château’ range for which the white seems to be a favourite of restaurateurs and amateurs. The ‘A’ range was introduced in the last few years to meet a demand for a more approachable style of wines.

Château Ségur de Cabanac www.segur-de-cabanac.com 

Château Moulin de la Rose www.moulindelarose.com

The eight generation born into  a wine grower family, Jean-Francois Delon-seconded by respected consultant Eric Boissenot -crafts excellent terroir—driven wines from his family properties; 7,07 ha in St Estèphe and 4,80 in St Julien.

Château Deyrem Valentin – Soussans- www.chateau-deyrem-valentin.com 

Two sisters, Sylvie and Christel run with great enthusiasm this tiny 4 hectares domain in Margaux. This family domain trace its origins back to 1730 and enjoys the same soil geology of its illustrious neighbours… at a fraction of their prices!

VIGNOBLES LABUZAN – Portet

www.vignobles-labuzan.fr

A family domain in the heart of Graves aptly run by brothers Denis and Thierry Labuzan. Their white Graves is classic Graves with the qualities of both Semillon and Sauvignon being expressed both on the aromas and flavours. Their red is nicely consensual with its ripe fruits and soft integrated palate presence. This Château is constantly winning their customers heart with both colors being year after year rewarded by consumer recognition. In 2019 the domain was awarded HVE recognition.

High environmental value (HEV) corresponds to the highest level of a more general scheme of environmental certification for farms. This certification is a voluntary approach which aims to identify and promote particularly environmentally-friendly practices that cover four key areas: biodiversity conservation, plant protection strategy, management of fertiliser use and management of water.

VIGNOBLES MERCADIER – Sauterne – www.vignoblesmercadier.com

The Mercadier family used to own the renown Cru Chateau Suduiraut. Nowadays, they are looking after their other three smaller properties with the unique position that each of those three family domaines are in the best Sauternes communes, namely Preignac for Chateau de Veyres making wines from centenary old vines giving superb aromatic concentration, Barsac for Chateau Haut Cousteins exhibiting the nervosity and freshness associated with that commune and Fargues for Chateau Tuyttens offering a rapid dynamic profile and great equilibrium between sweetness and acid. All three properties are being given the same attention

CHÂTEAU JEAN FAUX – Sainte Radegonde    

www.chateaujeanfaux.com

The vignobles is situated on the southern banks of the Dordogne river on slopes facing Castillon and Saint Emilion. Under the Collote family ownership since the early 2000’s, Pascal Collote was in a previous life part owner of a respected cooperage company. With his expertise and the desire to create wines of typicity they enrolled the expertise of reputed Stephane Derenoncourt consultancy and decided to create wines that express the typicity of the terroir. The Jean Faux name refers to the first local proprietor of the domain back in the 17th century. The wines are either Organic or Biodynamic certified.

CHATEAU DU PUCH – Sauveterre

Located in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers this domain makes wines by workers with sensorial disabilities (visual and hearing deficiencies). At a time when social inclusion and human respect is high on many agendas it is refreshing to hear of such initiatives. The domain is efficiently operated as part of an association created in 1947 to promote social integration and personal development through professional fulfilment.

The 20 hectare domain is composed of different parcels situated higher up on the property and made up of Sauvignon Blanc, Gris, Merlot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. The vineyards are worked organically albeit not being certified.

The wines are made the traditional way with no unnecessary manipulation in the cellar and with low added sulfites as to better express the attributes of the varieties. A domain with a social vision that translates into an offering that has a sincere point of differentiation without compromising on the quality of the wines produced.

VIGNOBLES CAILLEUX – Escoussans

www.hautlapereyre.fr

Château Haut-La Péreyre produced its first vintage in 1891 in the lieu-dit of Péreyre in the commune of Escoussans, Entre-Deux-Mers. Olivier Cailleux’s parents began estate bottling in 1974 (the wines used to be sold bulk before that time). Olivier himself took over from his father in 1994 after completing his enology studies and doing internships in South Africa, New Zealand, and at Cos d’Estournel. He is the sixth generation to produce wine at the family property that spans over 51 Ha.  A different style of Vignobles Dubourg.  Whilst both vignobles grow their vines sustainably and raise their reds in the tank to preserve primary fruits, here the reds display an aromatic profile of more atuned to graphite and earth. A different offering to please different palates.

VIGNOBLES DUBOURG – Escoussans

www.vignobles-dubourg.com

Brother and sister Benoit and Valérie Dubourg own and manage Château Nicot whose domain belongs to their family since 1871. The vineyards are to be found in the commune of Escoussans in the Entre-Deux-Mers and make for a pretty sight with gentle rolling slopes. The wines produced there offer an excellent and succulent expression of ripe fruits with supportive balanced tannins. The straight Bordeaux is a crowd pleaser made without artifice. The white is made from very old Sémillon vines.

SAINT EMILION

 CHÂTEAU D’ARCOLE – Saint Emilion Grand Cru  

www.chateaudarcole.com

The château is named after the battle of Pont d’Arcole where Véronique’s ancestor Jean Barthe fought with Napoleon. On account of the fact that they were both married on the same day, Napoleon gave Jean some gold coins with which he bought his first vines in Bordeaux and Chateau d’Arcole was created. ‘Arcole’ was the first Saint-Emilion property to adopt an organic approach back in the 1960s. This environmental approach extends to every aspect of winemaking and packaging. Its 5 hectares of vineyard form a single block on the clay-chalk soils around the château, and consist of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and then aged in barrels, 20% of which are new. The wine is bottled after 18 months with no filtration.

CHÂTEAU COUTET – Saint Emilion Grand Cru  

www.chateaudcoutet.com

Handed down from generation to generation, Coutet has been intimately related to the David Beaulieu family for at least 400 years. A visit to this domain allows one to enter another world, one that is rich in history but also environmentally; Being free from any trace of chemical activities, Coutet’s land is currently being studied by various scientific bodies. This is probably the first organic Château of the region if not of France. The Château wine is predominantly produced from Merlot but also from local varieties hardly grown nowadays such as Bouchet and Prayssac. The soils of Chateau Coutet vineyard is established on the first hill of Saint-Émilion, half a kilometre away from the village but with distinct terroir from the plateau to the foot of the slopes where Coutet’s closest neighbours are amongst others Beauséjour Bécot and Angélus. The Château has all the credentials to deserve greater recognition but the David Beauliau has always preferred playing a low profile focusing on their land and preserving their heritage to make authentic wines.

Château Fontbaude – Côtes de Castillon www.fontbaude.com –

 Brothers Christian and Yannick are two passionate vignerons at the helm of this family property established in 1969 by their father. They were convinced about the benefits of organic viticulture way before gaining their certification in 2012. The Tradition is unoaked whilst the Vieilles Vignes are up to 50 years old and barrel matured for 12 months.

BORDEAUX – POMEROL

VIGNOBLES BOULDY –  Saint Emilion – Pomerol  

www.chateaubellegravepomerol.com A small family holding of 8.2 hectares. Château Bellegrave takes its name from Pomerol’s soils, which are composed of “Grave” (stones). The estate produces very consistent quality wines enhanced by owner Jean-Marc’s advocation to organic farming after gaining certification in 2009. The Chateau des Jacobins is from lighter soils making for an elegant Pomerol and Château Bellegrave from heavier soils display great intensity and depth. Château des Matignon is a 1.3-hectare sand and gravel plateau to the west of the Saint Emilion appellation. The  vines are averaging 40 years of age and made up of Merlot (70%) and Cabernet Franc (30%). The wine is matured in oak barrels for 20 to 22 months to make for an exquisite approachable wine upon release.

BORDEAUX – CANON FRONSAC

VIGNOBLES PONTY – Canon Fronsac  www.vignoblesponty.com Their story starts in 1905, with their great grandfather, Victor Ponty. When Victor stepped in Fronsac, little did he know those vineyards were often claimed to be the original birthplace of Bordeaux wine. Over his encounters, he learned how the wine made in Fronsac used to be reserved for the French kings, and how the Duke de Richelieu lived here overlooking the village. But first, he opened his eyes wide, and absorbed the beautiful, rolling hills covered with vines. From the top, you can see the river Dordogne flowing. Wines are crafted with a great deal of care from their (spell check) own vineyards. Most of the work is still manual including the harvest work. The Grand Renouil with its fine balance is often rated amongst the top Canon Fronsac and offers an unbeatable right bank Merlot wine.

COTES DE BLAYE

CHÂTEAU MAGDELEINE-BOUHOU – Cars  

www.magdeleine-bouhou.com

The very first trace of Chateau Magdeleine Bouhou, dates back to the 18th century. “Bouhou”, bouhar in Gascon, means to breathe. A name undoubtedly inspired by the winds of the estuary blowing strongly at this place. So strong that it alone could blow the local boha, or bagpipe. As early as 1868, Château Magdeleine Bouhou was classified Premier Cru Bourgeois in the second edition of “Bordeaux et ses vins” (Ed. Féret). In 1908, Jean Chaumet bought the property. He and his descendants were not shy in bringing modernity (bottling at the Château was as early as 1929) whilst ensuring that traditions and respect of the environment remain close to their heart. Today, Muriel Chaumet at the helm of this 17ha domain since 2004 is the 4th generation and continues to produce wines of terroir with a quality conscious approach. 2019 is the first year of organic conversion and Stephane Derenoncourt since 2010 is acting as consultant. The wine is solely red and in 2018 the Château started to produced single varietal (falling thus under Vin de France appellation) wines under La Petite Madeleine label (a clin d’oeil to Proust novel as to link the fruit profile of the wines resembling childhood memories). The wines offered in 150cl and made without added sulfites has been met with success from restaurateurs.

CHATEAU PECANY – Bomport

This historical property located in Pomport dates from the 18^th century. Benoit Beigner is the 6^th generation of wine growers. He is a highly trained oenologist with a wide range of experiences gained over the years. He is closely attached to his region and has long known of the potential of Château Pecany land as his grand-parents in the early 1900 already acquired some parcels from the then Château owner to make their own wines.  In 2012 Benoit took the decision to acquire the domain. He was so convinced of the potential of the land that he decided to commit his passion and efforts into the land by opting for organic farming to best express the potential. The wines have since gained in recognition for their sincerity and typicity.

DOMAINE BAROUILLET – Bomport

Château Barouillet has been owned by the family for 8 generations. Located at Pomport, Dordogne, in the middle of Monbazillac appellation southern Bergerac the vineyard consists of 45 hectares, falling mainly under the Montbazillac, Bergerac, Pécharmant appellations. The domain was certified organic since 2014 and Vincent Alexis having succeded his father, is adamant the wines should be as natural as realistically feasible. His red wines are non-filtered without added sulfites.

CHATEAU DES MAYRAGUES  

www.châteaudesmayragues.com Laurence et Alan Geddes acquired this domain in 1980. They restructured this listed Château (XII^e-XVI^es.), reorganized the vineyards and created a cellar. They decided to conduct their 12 ha of vines biodynamically since 1999, with a focus on local indigenous varieties (duras, braucol, mauzac and loin de l’oeil). They produce authentic wines with an offering that is decidedly for those looking with a range with a difference. The Braucol is the local name for the Fer Servandou grape. The Len de Lel /Loin de L’oeil variety whose name refers to the bunches long stems which are far from the vine buds.

DOMAINE DU CROS – Marcillac

www.domaine-du-cros.com

A family domain in the Aveyron region in the Marcillac appelation. This domain has made a name for itself for it produces wines represent personality using the native grape Fer Servandou also locally called Mansois; an untamed tannic variety of Marcillac. In the local dialect ‘Servandou’ means ‘well suited to conservation’ a name probably referring to the wine aptitude to age. The Cuvée Vieille Vignes made from 50years old vines has indeed all the quality attributes to age and develop gracefully over the years. It is however not made every year. On the contrary, the Clos del Pais offers all the juicy and red berry fruits that is so appealing in its youth. A great ‘vin de soif’ with a definite difference.

DOMAINE DAMIENS – Madiran – Pacherenc du Vic Bilh –

www.domainedamiens.e-monsite.com

Pierre-Michel and his sister Marie have very diligently taken over the family estate. The domain was set up by André, their father, in the early 1970’s. A young vigneron, André started from scratch but was eager to contribute to Madiran wine quality revival helping the region to gain its appelation status in 1975. Today the domain is recognised for the quality of both his Madiran and Pacherenc Vic Bilh production and is certified organic.

DOMAINE CAMIN LARREDYA 

www.caminlarredya.fr  

The Grussautes have a small but remarkable vineyard situated in the Chapelle de Rousse area of Jurançon. The word “Camin” used instead of Domaine is the local dialect for chemin or road. The vineyard is planted mainly to Petit Manseng with some  Gros Manseng and Petit Courbu and Camaralet. Jean-Marc Grussaute has farmed organically since 2007. Jean-Marc names his wines after the vineyard parcels. The Jurançon Sec which is called La Part Davan, blends two thirds Gros Manseng with Petit Manseng and a small amount of Petit Courbu.. The wine undergoes a “maceration pellicullaire” before fermentation in stainless steel tanks and foudres. Then the wine is kept “sur lie” for a few months before release. The Jurançon Moelleux “Au Capceu” is made from 100% Petit Manseng. The wine is fermented in barrel (50% new) and rests there for eighteen months “sur lie”. The harvest is done with successive pickings resulting in low yields

DOMAINE MOUTHES LE BIHAN

www.moutheslebihan.com

A discreet couple Catherine and Jean-Mary Le Bihan challenged themselves to purchase parcels or small wineries here and there since back in the early 2000s. Right from the start they decided upon producing organic wines before moving to biodynamie as to be in adequation with their values and wish to produce wines as close to being natural as possible. The wines are expressive and terroir oriented.

ANJOU

DOMAINE DELESVAUX – Saint Aubin de Luigné

This domain of 11 ha practices agro forestry which preserve biodiversity and offer natural living conditions to flora and wildlife. 

 The wines are completely natural: no oenogical product,no chaptalization, no fining, no filtering on reds (a light one on whites), and very little volcanic sulphite when bottling. Philippe and Catherine Delesvaux are considered among the Loire’s elite Chenin Blanc producers since they established their domain in the early 1980’s.

SAUMUR

DOMAINE DE LA PALEINE – Saumur

www.domaine-paleine.com

Laurence & Marc Vincent keen lover of the Loire founded this domain with a wish to express the variety of the Saumur terroirs.  The domain  is  from the 2018 vintage biodynamic certified and proudly mature in their Tuffeau underground cellars new and older vintages.  

DOMAINE DU VAL BRUN – Parnay

www.valbrun.com

Eric Charruau is not one looking the spotlight yet his wines deserve a better recognition. A shame some would say when  one knows that part of Eric’s production is sold to better established domains which gain the press appraisal. Eric makes genuinely appealing Cabernet Franc wines. His red scream of fresh crunchy berry fruits, without the rusticity and green notes often associated with Cabernet Franc grown in the region. This is a family domain whose origins as wine growers date back to 1722.

DOMAINE FABIEN DUVEAU – Saumur

www.le-garage-fontevraud.com

Fabien Duveau established in Chacé for eight generations, is a winemaker from father to son. Its 20hectare farm is based in the heart of the Saumur Champigny appellation. Currently being converted to organic farming, it was from the start of his activity that Fabien wanted to work the land as before, to promote the tradition by taking back the old tools of his grandfather.

Combining tradition and terroirs, he produces wines that are both traditional and atypical.

BOURGUEIL

DOMAINE YANNICK AMIRAULT – Bourgueil 

www.yannickamirault.fr

Benoit Amirault represents the 4th generation. Yet his father Yannick is still very much involved in the running of the domain and making of the wines. The reputation of the domain is well established as the wines have garnered great acclaim over the years with the Cabernet Franc being full of typicity without the rusticity often associated with that varietal. The domain spreads over 19 ha but is very fragmented enabling for the making of different cuvées to express the variety of terroir.   La Source; mainly on sandy based soil with a more precocious fruit profile and still plenty of intensity. La Mine; gravel soils giving wines of balance with this inspiring graphite touch. La Coudraye; classic Bourgueil from a combination of different lieux-dits. Le Grand Clos, historically classified as a Cru. Beautifully harmonious and complete. Les Quartiers; a very calcareous soil that translates into a wine with great purity. La Petite Cave; a tiny holding of no more than 1,5ha with 50 years old vines producing a wine of long aging capacity. Les Malgagnes; the emblematic wine most demanding in its making but never disappoints.  All the wines are certified Organic and the domain applies biodynamic principles without relying on one specific school of thought.

DOMAINE AURELIEN REVILLOT – Bourgueil  

www.aurelienrevillot.com

A mere 2,3 ha domain that is produing refined fine wines under the expert hands of young Aurélien Revillot. A native from Burgundy though not from a winemaking family, Aurélien Revillot developed a passion for vinegrowing and winemaking and went onto studying in Dijon before acquiring experiences in France in as great domain at DRC but also internationally in South Africa and Oregon with Domaine Drouhin. He returned to France 2009 and decided to settle with his family in the Loire Valley. He worked for a few years at a known domaine in Bourgueil before deciding to fully dedicate his time and energies to his own domain. His Bourgueil sur Les Hauts  range from 30 to 50 year old vines on mid-slopes with clay-limestone based soils. His St Nicolas de Bourgueil Le Clos is a tiny 0,90 ha planted in 1990 on limestone covered by gravels whilst his Bourgueil Les Aubuis vines (0,60 ha) planted in the 1980’s is found on a terraced slope with complex white and yellow limestone mixed with clay. Finally, his Grand Mont which is not produced every year is from a cool site of clay-limestone soils on the plateau of Benais.

The different parcels are all certified organic and worked according to biodynamic principles with Aurélien using specific preparations to work his land. Aurélien wines are very fine, textural and have become the darling of sommeliers and connoisseurs. The only problem being… availability is limited!

SANCERRE

DOMAINE ANDRE NEVEU – Chavignol

This 13,5 ha family domain is run by Valérie Neveu and her husband Thomas Dezat  which they took over from her father back in 1997. Valérie represents the third generation and with her husband she has helped express the best of their beautifully located vineyards right in the heart of the appelation. They hold 1,5 ha of pure Chavignol calcareous based soil producing the Longue Fins ; a textbook Chavignol wine with a persistent and dynamic minerality. They feel privileged with their 90 acres of vines on the reputed Les Monts Damnés hills. Here vines produce a wine for the long haul who see no heavy winemaking to reflect the pure quality of the terroir.

Le Manoir Vieilles Vignes is a wine  from 60 years old vines planted in Chavignol and Verdigny.

The domain red Sancerre offering includes an unoaked Grand Fricambault and the more aspirational Le Manoir Vieilles Vignes which has been matured in oak for a few months.

DOMAINE ROSSIGNOLE – Verdigny-en-Sancerre

The Cherrier family has been growing grapes since 1848 and making wines since 1927; The domain nowadays is run by brothers Francois and Jean-Marie Cherrier. Working with great knowledge and regard of their environment, they make very typical wines of their appellation that combines the quality of Sancerre’s different terroirs; silex, terres blanches and caillotes (chalk-clay).

DOMAINE JEAN MARC & MATHIEU CROCHET – Bué

www.jeanmarc-mathieu.crochet.com

 Those sophisticated Sancerre wines offer a tauter expression of the Sauvignon grape. Made by father and son Jean-Marc and Mathieu. The wines best reveal themselves alongside food. The Chêne Marchand is a tiny production from one of Sancerre’s revered site.

 MENETOU SALON

DOMAINE DE BELLEVUE – Chemery  

www.raphaelmidoir.com

Raphael Midoir represents the 5th generation of this family owned domaine of 27ha in the heart of the region. He produces Sauvignon Blanc wines with classic varietal profile whether under the AOP Touraine, Menetou Salon, Sancerre or Pouilly Fumé. With vines aged between 5 to 35 years, the work in the vineyard is made scrupulously to optimise ripeness whilst retaining an adequate fruit and structure balance so important in the region.