Clos de la Barthassade – www.labarthassade.com
Years back when Domaine de Trévallon suggested I check this domain out, I knew I was on something good!. Upon tasting and investigating, I was seduced by this small and recently created domain owned and run by young husband and wife Guillaume and Hélène Baron. Their vines neighbour that of reputed domains. A domain set for a great future whose wines will seduce sommeliers.
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
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
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.