All Categories
stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 33
[name] => Château Tire Pé
[slug] => chateau-tire-pe
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 33
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => From their 12ha domain situated in the south of the Entre-deux-Mers appellation, David & Hélène produce since 1997 wines which exude freshness and elegance, an exception rather than the rule in Bordeaux. Their vineyards are some of the most interesting of this area. Overlooking the Dropt River and fully exposed to the south, the 10 to 30 years old grapes grow in perfect conditions on a clay/limestone soil, benefiting from organic practices since 2008. The Château took its unusual name from what animals used in agriculture left behind before climbing the long and steep hill to the Château.
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
)
Château Tire Pé stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 17
[name] => Christine De Mianville
[slug] => christine-de-mianville
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 17
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => From their half hectare of vines in the Jasnières appellation at L'Homme, Christine de Mianville and her husband Bernard produce two cuvées of Jasnières, which represent 3000 bottles per year of Chenin Blanc.
Christine was born in Quebec but came to the Loire specifically to work with Chenin Blanc. She also teaches in the Lycée Viticole in nearby Montreuil-Bellay while Bernard works as a viticultural consultant.
Grapes are picked by hand and put into small boxes. Vines are treated using natural-made mixtures from horsetail, nettle and various plants. Helped by “Fakin”, a big donkey, work in the vineyard is done manually following organic processes.
Their aim is to produce wines which are as dry as possible to reflect the peculiar minerality of Jasnières. As a result, fermentation can last up to one year in order to eradicate any residual sugar. Another side effect of this long process is that the wine doesn’t need any filtration, it clarifies itself.
Production may be small but Christine's wines are clearly worth following. Her wines can be found in some of the best restaurants in Paris such as Pierre Gagnaire, Guy Savoie, Jacques Cagna and Charles Barrier in Tours
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
)
Christine De Mianville stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 22
[name] => Clos de la Bruyère
[slug] => le-clos-de-la-bruyere
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 22
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Le Clos de la Bruyère is a vineyard of 4.5 hectares situated in the heart of Sologne. Julien uses 7 different grape varieties: Menu Pineau (including some ungrafted), Gamay (Gamay Chaudenay and old ungrafted Gamay), Romorantin, Côt, Chardonnay and Gascon.
His wife, Heidi Kuka, a New-Zealander, is an artist and is also responsible for the beautiful labels on the domain’s wines.
The Courtois family has been winemakers for many generations. Given the family is from Burgundy, it is not a surprise to find several old grape varieties and ancestral winemaking techniques which originate from there. Julien was inspired by his father, Claude. From the vineyards to the cellar, everything is natural. The range of wines exhibits a great typicity, purity and minerality. In the cellar no external intervention influences the wine, each wine being a representation of both terroir and vintage
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
)
Clos de la Bruyère stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 39
[name] => Clos des Mourres
[slug] => clos-des-mourres
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 39
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Jean-Philippe grew up in the Rhône and most certainly caught the wine bug is his youth when he spent most of his spare time with his grandparents who were winemakers. After various professional experiences related to wine he finally took the plunge and became a winemaker in 2009 starting with a mere 5ha. Now the domain is 15ha in size and Jean-Philippe is ably assisted by his partner Ingrid. Ingrid and Jean-Philippe have various parcels in Cairanne and Vaison-la-Romaine and are known for producing some of the freshest wines in the area, showing fruits and complexity. Their idea of wine is more about infusing than extracting. The domain is bio. Certainly a domain to follow.
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
)
Clos des Mourres stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 6
[name] => Clos Naudin
[slug] => domaine-du-clos-naudin
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 6
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => From his Vouvray winery established in 1919, Mr Foreau follows traditions passed down from his father and grandfather. The story between Clos Naudin and the Foreau family takes its roots when Armand, Mr Foreau’s grandfather, returned from the Great War in 1919 to take over the family’s vineyards. In 1924, they acquired the prized Clos Naudin. The cellar was hand-cut from rock (tuffeau) by Armand in the 1920s and by André in the 1970s. The temperature remains constant at 12◦C with good humidity. Mr Foreau took over the 12 hectare domain in 1983 when his father, André, retired but has been working with him since 1980. Clos Naudin consists of 100% Chenin Blanc (average of 40 year-old vines) on a mixed soil of flint, limestone and clay. The notion of terroir features very strongly. He sees the flinty soil as giving elegance to the wine, while the limestone and clay soil represents the wine’s backbone. The winemaking process results in a sharp blend of different terroirs. The winemaking techniques can be summed up as: no acidification, no chaptalisation, wild yeasts, harvest by hand, no malolactic fermentation, low yields (35 hl/ha) and organic processes
« Considering that few white wine growers anywhere can boast the track record of Philippe Foreau, his Vouvrays are priced to continue offering wonderful value. ... Buy these wines now, before the market for Loire wine at last becomes a meritocracy! …» “Outstanding” - Robert Parker
« Ils représentent l'excellence du vignoble français. Les meilleurs terroirs exploités par les plus grands vignerons. Déguster leur vin est toujours un moment magique » Domaine classé 3 Étoiles - Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France - RVF
[parent] => 0
[count] => 0
)
stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 16
[name] => Comte Abbatucci
[slug] => domaine-comte-abbatucci
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 16
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Domaine Comte Abbatucci extends over 100 ha of granite sandy slopes, located in the southern part of Corsica in the Taravo valley. Among the estate’s 100 hectares, there are 18 ha of vines at about 100m above sea level but you will also find clementines, vegetables, olive trees, sheep which have all farmed bio-dynamically since 2000.
The estate is one of the oldest vineyard plantations in Corsica and has been chosen to study and experiment the reproduction of ancient vine varieties. The estate grows a wide range of indigenous varieties including Niellucio and Sciacarello as well as the more obscure Morescola, Morescono, Aleatico, Carcajolo Nera, Montanaccia. Life on the estate is regulated by the rhythms of the sun, moon and the planets. The grapes are said to develop in health and harmony with the assistance of traditional Corsican polyphonic music played over loudspeakers.
Today Jean-Charles’ wines are recognised by experts all over the world as wines that preserve the very particular and original flavours of Corsican terroir
"Mind-bending profundity in the sense that even as it seduces, it will stretch your imagination and alter your thinking concerning what’s possible from grapes" David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate
"Abbatucci’s wines are out of this world" Olivier Poussier, World’s best sommelier in 2000
"Winemaker of the year" - La Revue du Vin de France, June 2015
[parent] => 0
[count] => 0
)
stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 40
[name] => Domaine Bordatto
[slug] => domaine-bordatto
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 40
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Bixintxo and his wife started winemaking in 2001. Back then, they didn’t have enough vines to make a living from winemaking so instead they decided to produce ciders, apple wines and apple juice. They patiently studied ancient local varieties and through grafting and planting established a verger of more than 30 apple varieties, all local. Drawing on their winemaking skills, they blend different types of apples as one would do for wine. The production of apple and cider in the Basque country is even older than the one in Bretagne. As a result, the products here have a high typicality.
[parent] => 0
[count] => 2
)
Domaine Bordatto stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 36
[name] => Domaine Delesvaux
[slug] => domaine-delesvaux
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 36
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Catherine and Philippe started their own domain from scratch in 1978. She was a teacher and he was a geologist. With modesty and hard work their wines are today a world reference for sweet Chenin. Their domain is just over 10 ha and they produce Anjou red, white and the renowned Côteaux du Layon. All the work is done manually and quality focused, native yeasts, no chaptalisation, only using volcanic sulphites at bottling. Soil is mainly carboniferous schist which gives a specific minerality to their wines. Catherine and Philippe manage to produce sweet wines at every vintage (naturally). Their wines avoid any heaviness and are always a pleasure to drink
[parent] => 0
[count] => 5
)
Domaine Delesvaux stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 34
[name] => Domaine du Traginer
[slug] => domaine-du-traginer
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 34
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => The Domain du Traginer stands on steep schistous slopes of Banyuls sur Mer, where the Pyrenées finds the Mediterranean Sea. It comprises 7.5 ha of vines, most of them facing the sea and perfect sun exposure. The vineyards are terraced and the thin layer of poor soil is retained by little wall made of schist. Jean-Francois Deu took over the domain in 1975 and already worked using organic and biodynamic methods back in 1988. His aim is to make wines like the ancient who achieved this in the most natural way. Accordingly, he still ploughs some part of his vineyard with a mule, guided by his “Traginer” (muleteers in Catalan). Yields are always very low (approx 17hl/ha) in this area. The wines come under the Collioure and Banyuls appellations
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
)
Domaine du Traginer stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 37
[name] => Domaine Pierre André
[slug] => domaine-pierre-andre
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 37
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => A gem in the heart of Chateauneuf du Pape created by Pierre now in his 90's and who still working alongside his daughter Jacqueline. The domain was one of the first to become biodynamic back in the 1980's and has used biodynamic principles ever since. The domain also has some of the oldest vines in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation with an average age of 75 years, the oldest being about 140 years. The domain boasts an extraordinarily diverse terroir (rolled pebbles, clay, sand, chalk) and is subject to the famous mistral and Mediterranean climate. The wine making is very traditional with minimal intervention. It is certainly the appellation’s best kept secret. What sets Jacqueline 's wines apart is their finesse and freshness which goes hand in hand with the complexity and class reminiscent of the the greatest Chateauneuf du Pape. This is definitely the perfect illustration of great drinkable wines.
[parent] => 0
[count] => 2
)
Domaine Pierre André stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 38
[name] => Domaine Roche Bleue
[slug] => domaine-roche-bleue
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 38
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Originally from Sancerre, in 2006 Sébastien bought a 3.5 ha property (now 6.7ha) of vines in Jasnières/Côteaux du Loir. His love for Chenin Blanc drove him to Réunion Island where he produced some chenin wine on an extinct volcano, 1000 metres tall. Based in Marçon in very old caves, he produces some of the most exciting Jasnière as well as a beautiful Pineau d’Aunis. His winemaking approach is very traditional, aiming to produce true Jasnières - dry and reflecting the minerality. Sebastien is slowly but surely making his way to the very top of the appellation.
[parent] => 0
[count] => 0
)
stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 23
[name] => Karim Vionnet
[slug] => karim-vionnet
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 23
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Karim Vionnet is a rising star of Beaujolais. Karim was a baker before he decided to follow his passion and become a winemaker. He worked under Guy Breton (famous “gang of four” member with Lapierre, Folliard and Thévenet) for 5 years before establishing his own domain in 2006 in Villié-Morgon, also his birthplace. From his 5ha domain, Karim’s aim is to "make a wine that is simple and natural ". Unnecessary intervention and artifices, both in the vineyard and during fermentation, are avoided, emphasising high quality, terroir driven wines at an affordable price
“His Beaujolais-Villages, with their ample red fruit flavors and light, tickling tannins, epitomize the French word for silky gulpability — gouleyant” – The Times
[parent] => 0
[count] => 2
)
Karim Vionnet stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 29
[name] => La Grange Tiphaine
[slug] => domaine-la-grange-tiphaine
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 29
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => La Grange Tiphaine” is a 12ha domain located near the beautiful medieval town of Amboise. The Domain has been run by the Delecheneau family for more than a century. In 2002, Damien took over the domain at the age of 23. He combines his training as an oenologist with the creativity and professionalism he acquired working on vineyards throughout the world, including several famous Bordeaux and Burgundy vineyards
The Domain practices are entirely organic. The use of gravity, wild yeasts and eradication of “unnecessary” oenological interventions constitute a summary of Damien’s work. His wines are deep, round, elegant and vibrant
[parent] => 0
[count] => 3
)
La Grange Tiphaine stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 8
[name] => Les Cailloux du Paradis
[slug] => les-cailloux-du-paradis
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 8
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => At his winery located near the little town of Romorantin in the heart of Sologne, Claude Courtois is known around the world for producing minute quantities of original wines using rare grapes. Wines are made according to old winemaking techniques following organic processes that go even further than usual biodynamic requirements.
His motto is biodiversity and all his plots have either a wooded plot nearby, an orchard or an empty plot with wild flowers. Grass is grown in every other row. Vines are treated using only natural made mixtures from horsetail, nettle and other plants as well as farm animal manure and very small amounts of bouillie bordelaise (Bordeaux Mixture). The yields are always small. Fermentation occurs only in old oak barrels (45 year-old oak).
Mr Courtois is well regarded among oenologists and winemakers alike and some of the best visit him to better understand his theories and techniques
[parent] => 0
[count] => 8
)
Les Cailloux du Paradis stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 12
[name] => Les Chesnaies
[slug] => les-chesnaies
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 12
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Here only Cabernet Franc is used for the red and Chenin Blanc for the rare white “Chinon”. Special care is taken to ensure each wine reflects its terroir. Different types of Chinon are made here. Gravels and sandy soil produces young and fruity wines while chalky/clay soil on the hillside produces wines with more structure and minerality. Structured, tannic and age-worthy wines are made from the chalky plateau.
“Les Chesnaies” is one of the most innovative domains in the Chinon appellation
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
)
Les Chesnaies stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 25
[name] => Les Enfants Sauvages
[slug] => les-enfants-sauvages
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 25
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Carolin and Nikolaus, both German, used to spend their holidays in the South of France. They were searching for a place to buy and in 1999 they literally fell in love with an old sheepfold in the hills of Fitou. At that time Carolin was an architect and Nikolaus was running the family business. We would probably have never talked about them here if there weren’t some hectares (7.5 ha) of abandoned vines attached to the property.
They settled down in Fitou in 2001 with their two young sons, Falk and Juri. With a strong focus on natural and biodynamic techniques, Carolin and Nikolaus started their winemaking odyssey…
The vineyards are in a breathtaking amphitheatre above Fitou, isolated from neighbours. Influenced by the tramontane wind and surrounded by garrigues, herbal scents of thyme and lavender float in the air.
In 2001 and 2002, they first supplied the local cooperative. Jo Pithon convinced them to produce their own wine and lent them some material and space in his cellar. Then, after an enormous amount of work and sacrifice, they were able to produce their first vintage in 2003.
Their wines display a great typicity which can be described as their signature. Aromatic purity, freshness and finesse go hand in hand with complexity added by the terroir.
Starting from scratch only 10 years ago, Carolin and Nikolaus’ wines are recognised by some of the best chefs around the world. We shall certainly hear more about these two rising stars in the near future!
[parent] => 0
[count] => 6
)
Les Enfants Sauvages stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 28
[name] => Mendall
[slug] => mendall
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 28
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => Laureano certainly represents the archetypal artisan winemaker. From his small estate in Pinell de Brai (Terra Alta), he produces small quantities of numerous cuvees. Every vintage brings new cuvées and new experiments. Laure is fascinated by the influence of terroir and each cuvée comes from a single plot. The approach is natural, yields are low, vinification involves minimal intervention and maturation occurs only in tanks. Terra Alta is 200m above sea level which brings some cooling effects although it can also be extremely hot in summer. Mendall’s wines are unique, emphasising aromatic complexity and richness balanced with an unusual freshness that creates a feeling of vibrancy
"I tasted the wines of Laureano Serres in London, and mightily impressive they are, too. They will not be to the taste of everyone, distinguished by a slightly yeasty, flor-like bouquet that some might dislike. However, I found them to be clean, full of personality, intellectual and most importantly, delicious! You have to take chances with your wine sometimes" - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
[parent] => 0
[count] => 3
)
Mendall stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 35
[name] => Porte Saint Jean
[slug] => porte-saint-jean
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 35
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => I met Sylvain in 2015, intrigued by the fact that nearly every winemaker I was chatting to was mentioning his name. Sylvain's domain is situated in Montreuil Bellay (rue Porte St Jean). With his French winemaking qualifications and impressive work experience at Chateau Yvonne, Thierry Germain, Clos Rougeard (frères Foucault), Gerard Gauby, Marc Tempe, you would never guess Sylvain is still only in his 20's. Sylvain is also the son in law of Charly, one of the frères Foucault. Sylvain works the soil and aims to produce terroir wines that are not only accessible, fresh, complex now, but that will be even better in 10 years' time. Vinification happens at his home and juices are transferred through a pipe to his superb cellar dating back to at least the 15th century. Wines mature at the perfect temperature and humidity in 1 to 2 year old barriques from Chateau Latour and Clos Rougeard (red) and barriques from Burgundy (white). There is no filtration, no collage, low so2 and long maturation. Orchestrated by a future great of the Loire, Sylvain's wines are elegant, long, persistent with a beautiful substance. I am happy to distribute such talent in Australia
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
)
Porte Saint Jean stdClass Object
(
[term_id] => 30
[name] => Valentin Zusslin
[slug] => domaine-valentin-zusslin
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 30
[taxonomy] => product_cat
[description] => This is certainly one of the most exciting domaines in Alsace at the moment. Based in Orschwihr, south of Colmar, siblings Marie & Jean-Paul run the Domaine Valentin Zusslin. Since 1691, 13 generations of the Zusslin family have been at the helm of this domaine. Vines are planted on the slopes of the Bollenberg, Clos Liebenberg and Grand Cru Pfingstberg. With meticulous care in the vinyards and with precision and mostly non-interventionist methods in the cellar, the range of white and red produced are among the best in Alsace. Biodynamic since 1997, Marie & Jean-Paul’s work has been recently acclaimed in France.
Domaine classé 2 Étoiles - Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France - RVF
[parent] => 0
[count] => 2
)
Valentin Zusslin