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At barely 30 years old, Stephane Riffault (Claude’s son and now owner of the estate) is turning out Sancerre bottlings that are the envy of many producers twice his age. As David Schildknecht put it, “make no mistake: this address in the hamlet of Maison Salle (Sury-en-Vaux) is now one of the five or six most exciting estates in the Sancerre appellation.” Given that Stephane’s holdings represent 4 tenths of 1 percent of the appellation, this kid is clearly doing something right. Based in the village of Sury-en-Vaux, the domaine works 33 different parcels in 6 different lieu-dits spread across 4 villages. The 13.5 hectares of vines are plowed and no synthetic material is used. Unlike most Sancerre producers, the entire harvest is carried out by hand and an extensive sorting takes place before the grapes are crushed. Stephane’s wife, Benedicte, leads the harvest team while Stephane manages the sorting and press during harvest. Most of the domaine’s holdings are planted on the soft limestone soil called Terres Blanches with some parcels on calliottes and silex. Small, judicious uses of oak help to add length to the already precise and vertical bottling. All of the parcels are vilified separately and with the exception of the rose, all the wines are bottled unfiltered. Having studied and worked in Burgundy (and closely with Olivier Leflaive), it’s easy to see the Burgundian influence in Stephane’s wines. The mastery of minerality standing shoulder-height with the wood is rarely duplicated in Sancerre. Regardless of the exposition of his parcels (many are south-facing), Riffault’s wines are always crisp and high-cut with a jeweled sort of delineation that speaks to the precision and attention these wines get. These are not your daddy’s (or his daddy’s) Sancerres. -
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This famous Domaine has been run by Caroline Lestimé, Jean-Noël’s daughter, since 1989. Its 12.5 hectares of outstanding vineyards have been certified organic since 2014, and are now run biodynamically, though are not yet certified as such. Most of the estate’s vineyards are in the heart of Chassagne, with one vineyard in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, which looks down on St. Aubin and was planted in 2015 at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level. The vines are Guyot-trained and planted on a moderate hill facing east. The soils here are stony calcareous clays which are enriched with biodynamic composts at the end of every winter. The wines are, in the best sense of the phrase, ‘low intervention’ wines, with each expressing the character of its site. The 2018 vintage started with good levels of winter rainfall, replenishing the soil moisture content. After a cold February and a rainy March, conditions in April were warm and dry, allowing the vineyard growth to catch up after the earlier delays. Flowering occurred under perfect conditions and summer brought consistently warm, sunny days through to harvest, which took place on August 26th. Grapes for this wine come from two similar plots: one parcel is in the upper part of the appellation (just under the road to Santenay) and the other on the lower part. 40 year old Vines Approximately 200 cases of this cuvée are made each year. Great wine to be appreciated. being an elegant and with layers of structure making this wine quite exquisite. Decanter highly recommended here. -
This wine celebrates a collaboration of many years between well-known Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann and Kaiken estate. Known for his distinct style of open fire cooking, ably captured in the first season of Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Mallman's unstoppable and unique nature is captured by the name 'Disobedience'. Kaikenes are wild geese, native to Patagonia, that fly across the Andes between Chile and Argentina. Montes, the Chilean winery, crossed the Andes in the same way to set up in Mendoza. Their vineyards are situated in the heart of Mendoza and further to the south in Valle de Uco, where many of the premium producers are now sourcing their fruit. The focus is primarily on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that has been somewhat forgotten as Malbec has surfed one wave of success after another in the past decade. Kaiken's own vineyards supply 70% of their production requirements and 30% is from vineyards that they control. The grapes are sourced from Kaiken's vineyards in Altamira in the Uco Valley and Vistalba in the Luján de Cuyo region. Vistalba's chalk and sandy soil, at 1,200m altitude, imparts an elegant and fruit-driven character to the wine.The alluvial and loam soil of the Luján de Cuyo forces vines to penetrate deep into the soil, contributing deep fruit concentration and tannin. As Francis Mallmann says, wine is a celebration. And this is a wine created to celebrate friendship, love, reunion... And celebrate an act of freedom, no one can decide how to do it. -
Uivo, a howl back to Nature! Naturally farmed Moscatel Galego, Branco Wine grapes with minimal intervention in the cellar, 4 months of skin contact in cement tanks. Folias de Baco was started in 2007 by young, innovative winemaker, Tiago Sampaio, who was inspired by his grandfather’s vineyard work. He has a vivacious curiosity and loves to experiment at every step of the winemaking/growing processes. He has studied agricultural engineering and has a PhD in Viticulture and Enology from Oregon State University, where he picked up on modern philosophies and aesthetics of winemaking, never forgetting his Douro roots. Folias de Baco is in the Alto Douro, in the sub-region of Cima-Corgo where the land is very tough and challenging at a higher altitude, but it is an expression of traditional melding with modern techniques. The ‘Uivo Curtido’ is comprised of 100% moscatel galego from 35+ year old vines in soils spattered with schist and granite. It is unfined and unfiltered. As tasty as it looks. Organically grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan. Have fun with it -
Benoît Droin is one of the most respected winemakers in Chablis. This is the entry point to his range; it highlights the potential of “lesser” wines from top producers. It’s from two parcels, both on Portlandian limestone on the plateau above the Grands Crus. Balanced approach pest control. Soils maintained via regular ploughing. The soils are generally shallow. The sub-soil alternates between grey marl and bands of limestone sometimes very rich in "exogyra virgula" fossils - small, comma-shaped oysters characteristic of the marls from the Upper and Middle Kimmeridgian periods. Winemaking is entirely in steel, preserving the crystalline fruit and bright purity. The 2019 vintage adds a little more ripeness to the fruit on the nose, bringing aromas of white melon and hazelnut. The palate is generous on entry, with cleansing acidity and a gently smoky, mineral finish. This is excellent value and will outdo many “grander” wines. Pair it with aperitif, grilled seafood, baked white fish or Oysters -
Herdade do Mouchao is a historic winery in Portugal’s Alentejo region that specialises in producing excellent red wines from the local Alicante Bouschet grape. The estate’s roots date back to the 19th century when Thomas Reynolds first moved from Porto to Alentejo to enter the prosperous cork-making industry. Later his grandson, John Reynolds saw an opportunity to start making both wine and corks and purchased the 900 hectare Herdade do Mouchao estate. Vineyards were planted, in 1901 he built a high-ceilinged adobe winery (or “adega”) and a distillery was added to the winery in 1929, where until today Mouchão's pommace brandy is produced. Unfortunately the estate was seized in 1974 by order of the powerful military government ruling the country at the time. The Reynolds were only able to regain the estate in 1985 and today the family works around 38 hectares of vines. Today, the Herdade do Mouchão continues to be run by the descendants of the original family whose cellar and vineyard workers have been with them for generations. The process is, as it always has been, unhurried (There is alway Manana). The grape varieties are local, picked by hand and foot-trodden. In the ever-changing world of winemaking, Herdade do Mouchão, remains a traditional, family-run winery. -
This excellent Chablis has a fine balance of ripe fruit and thrilling acidity. With a great length on the finish, it will develop with age in the cellar if you can keep your hands off it. Sourced from three parcels of vines in different sectors of the appellation; Les Pargues towards the village of Préhy, Les Cartes between the premiers crus of Vaillons and Montmains where the vines are 60 years old and Bas de Chapelots just below Montée de Tonnerre. Samuel Billaud is one of Chablis’ greatest winemakers. For twenty years he was responsible for the superb quality of wine at the family estate, Domaine Billaud-Simon, before setting up his own winery in 2009, where he produces a range of wines from several of the region’s finest sites. In 2014 he recovered his share of the Billaud-Simon vines which he now vinifies and bottles under his own name. -
The 2019 Cotes du Rhone Brézème is a big, well structured wine that retains the freshness and lively character always present in this cuvee. The wine was vinified naturally, without added sulfur. The wine shows vivid aromas of blackberry and black cherry with hints of musk, blueberry, earth and citrus. The palate is deep and textured with earthy black fruits, bitter chocolate and mineral flavours, quite pure and long. Serve now, slightly chilled, with grilled meats, tagines and full-flavored cheeses, or cellar fo five to ten years or more. -
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Slender and racy length, beautiful smoothness, noble freshness, very fragrant, without weakness in terms of the body and with the extension of high quality terroirs. -
Hello my enthusiastic brethren or should I say Oenophilians! (I've just butchered the word a lit bit but I am sure you can relate to it). Wine Oenophilia is a love of wine. In the strictest sense, oenophilia describes a disciplined devotion to wine, accompanying strict traditions of consumption and appreciation. Wine lovers are also known as wine aficionados and connoisseurs. Its the people who appreciate and collect wine, particularly grape wines from certain regions, varieties or production methods. Maybe someone like you... So in the spirit of Oenophilia, I have put together 6 wines for those wine aficionados that want to push the bar a little further and feel excited. Here you have 2 whites, 1 bubbly and 3 reds, all of them are totally different from each other, underrated, unique and perform superbly in their own categories. Whites: Celler del Roure Cullerot 2019- This "orange" wine from Valencia is produced by Pablo Calatayud from Celler del Roure and let's say he brought the entire winemaking process back to basics. This is a blend of six different grapes, of which three of them were revived from ancient vines that were no longer in use. The setting is in an ancient country estate outside of Moixent, in the Valencia region. For centuries this was a farm producing grain, almonds, olives and grapes for the production of olive oil and wine. This farm contained a large, stone, olive press and extensive subterranean cellar with dozens of intact 17th century amphorae. It took a few years of research and restoration but Pablo is using these clay vessels to make wine once again. Cullerot, which means tadpole, is the white that Pablo makes in the old cellar utilizing Verdil, Pedro Ximénez, Macabeo and Chardonnay from vines ranging in age from 15–70 years old. Whole cluster pressing, natural yeast fermentation and aging in amphorae seems familiar, but it is in fact, timeless. Moment of Silence by Blankbottle - Blankbottle is not bound to a specific wine area or wine style. It’s from many different vineyards, scattered across the Western Cape of South Africa, different regions, micro-climates, soil types, and ultimately leads to different wine styles. It is driven by quality, adventure, excitement and mystery. And at the centre of it all, are the guys in the vineyards, viticulturists, winemakers, family, friends and Blankbottle fans. Stunning, all rounder there is nothing you can fault in this wine. Aromas of candied lemon, cooked apple and mango with a core of minerality. Soft and voluptuous, it has a lovely ripeness and a fleshy, creamy mouthfeel, which leads to a perfect tangy freshness giving some zip to its otherwise mellow feel. Filipa Pato 3B Sparkling Rosé- The Filipa Pato 3B Sparkling Rosé is a delicious treat of a wine from one of my favorite winemakers in Portugal. Filipa Pato is the daughter of arguably one of Portugal's most famous winemakers, Luis Pato. She is also married to a very famous Belgian Sommelier William Wouters. Despite of all of these influences, she is a fantastic winemaker in her own right since 2001. Filipa became famous when she deviated from the local traditional methods and started producing unique wines out of local indigenous grapes (Baga & Bical) that are biodynamic with minimum intervention and true to themselves and their terroir . Filipa's mantra is 'vinhos autênticos sem maquilagem' – Authentic Wines Without Makeup. The color of the 3B Rosé is a beautiful light pink. It’s soft on the nose, with light yeast, mineral, rose and strawberry aromatics. The palate is quite dry, with firm mineral flavors complemented by lemon and light raspberry. The mouthfeel is fantastically bubbly. It’s a very tasty, mineral-centric sparkler. Niepoort Voyeur 1 Ltr- Never a winemaker to shy away from experimentation, Dirk Niepoort has spent the last few years trialling amphora vinification. This is the upshot of those experiments: the first release of a field blend of old-vine red and white grapes, which spent eight months fermenting and ageing in six 1000L clay amphorae. One of the aims of the project was to reset expectations of Douro reds - all power, body and muscle. Instead, Voyeur is all about freshness, lightness and elegance, clocking in at only 12.5% alcohol. There is plenty of complexity here, partly from the sheer number of varieties in the blend; partly from earthy amphora notes. But what’s most striking is the pure red fruit and delicate florality of the wine. Chill slightly before serving and savour the freshness. Susumaniello IGP Puglia - The winery "i Pàstini", located in the heart of the Valle d'Itria land, strives to maintain the wisdom of traditions even with modern winemaking techniques, thus managing to obtain the best of enology Puglia has to offer. The vines are imported from nearby Dalmatia, which is one of the most important indigenous vines of the Brindisi area. Its name (there are several theories) is due to the fact that, a long time ago, the young Susumaniello plant was particularly productive, so much so, that it was overloaded with bunches as if it were a donkey. This unknown wine is underrated but will impress for its uniqueness and test your knowledge on how wine in general should taste like. This is a succulent and voluptuous wine with intense aromas of coffee liqueur, dark berry fruits and cocoa. Chat Fou Côtes du Rhône by Éric Texier - If you were ever sceptical about Organic wines, you have to give this one a try! This wine is Artisanal, Organic, Biodynamic, unfined and unfiltered. All with the aim to do as little intervention as possible and to let the Terroir speak for itself. Eric Texier Chat Fou natural red wine is a coupage of Grenache Tinta, Clairette and Marsanne, from the well known region of Côtes du Rhône.Eric Texier is a vigneron from Brézème, a municipality in the northern area of the Rhone Valley. For every occasion, red and white meats, charcuterie and to impress your other half. -
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The exciting Muhr-Van der Niepoort project began in 2002 as a collaboration between Austrian PR guru Dorli Muhr and celebrated Portuguese winemaker Dirk Niepoort. Although the name is taken from the village of Prellenkirschen, all of the grapes for the white are sourced from the Spitzerberg, or a continuation of it. A blend of 90% Gruner Veltliner (35 year old vines) and 10% Riesling (planted in 1950), the grapes see some skin contact in the fermentation, imbuing the final wine with tension and extract, a mouth-watering savoury salinity and clearly-delineated spicy flavours of white pepper, fennel and cumin. Deep and a touch wild on the palate but with enormous personality and interest, its deep savoury style will appeal to lovers of edgy yet serious food-friendly whites. -
High on the hills of Austria there is more than just a lonely goat herd - there is also a fantastic winery, considered one of the country's best. Pittnauer has a long winemaking tradition in the region, and in 2006 moved to more biodynamic practices. The results are delicious, environmentally friendly wines with years of experience behind them. Now prepare yourself for some varieties you've probably never heard of - Pittnauer's Pitti Red Blend is made from blaufränkisch and Zweigelt grapes with a small quantity of Merlot added to the mixture. These varieties shine brightest in the Austrian climate, where they come together to make a stunningly delicious, full bodied wine reminiscent of spicy Shiraz. The ‘Pitti’ is a blend coming from vines that average 12-15 years in age and are planted on sandy clay mixed with limestone. Dark ruby in colour, the wine has tight tannins with black berries, cherries, cranberries and fresh acidic structure. Whispers of tobacco and liquorice. Ticks all the boxes of quality, drinkability and affordability and yumability. -
This Monteabellón 14 months is a wine made 100% with Tempranillo grapes from the highest altitude vineyards, located on sandy loam soils with clay and limestone. After a classic vinification, with 25 days of maceration, it is aged for 14 months in barrels of 70% French oak and 30% American . At Bodegas Monteabellón they use the latest oenological techniques to guarantee careful preparation throughout the process, maintaining stable levels of temperature and humidity. Smells of dark, ripe and very rich fruits. Unbelievably full-bodied and the finish is lasting and very long. This 100% Tempranillo is a complex wine that is already very enjoyable to drink, but will continue to develop splendidly over the next few years. Elegant and chocolate all over this wine. A shout to Declan & Mairead as they recommended this lovely addition to Pinto Wines! -
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Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir is a single vineyard wine made from 100% Pinot Noir vines in the Penedès denominación de origen of the Spanish region of Catalonia. The Torres family has been making wine in the ancient Catalán town of Vilafranca del Penedès, south-west of Barcelona, since the 17th Century. It is this tradition combined with innovation, dynamism and commitment to quality that has put Torres firmly on the world map. They remain one of the largest family owned and run wine companies in the world and, under the stewardship of fourth generation Miguel Torres they are committed to sustainable viticulture and green practices. The Torres Mas Borras vineyard is located at 520 metres above sea level in the coolest part of the Upper Penedes area at Santa María de Miralles. At this altitude, the relatively cold summer nights allow a long and balanced ripening, which is desirable for producing elegant and noble Pinot Noir. Deep calcareous clay soils with interspersed layers of gypsum, moderately well drained with a high water holding capacity. Developed over sedimentary material from the Eocene. Thanks to the cool soils and the continental tendency of the climate, these vineyards provide the best conditions for Pinot Noir in the Penedès region. This is why Jacques Bergeret, a Burgundian expert in cultivating Pinot Noir, chose these soils in 1985–1986. The Pinot Noir grapes for this single vineyard wine are usually harvested in late September and are macerated in the skins for 2 weeks after harvest. The wine is fermented in stainless steel with an additional malolactic fermentation in oak barrels. After vinification Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir is aged in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new, for 9 months. Oak ageing ensure that silky tannins are in harmony with the fresh acidity and cherry fruit typical of Pinot Noir. -
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Keep On Punching is Swartland Chenin, but not in the conventional sense. No buttery oak, this is all 100% stainless steel tank to keep that citrus twang just as clean as a whistle. Stylistically this wine fits more closely with the Chenins of the Loire valley - the fruit is apple and pear with some nice zippy white peach. The grapes come from old bush vines that yield small clusters of grapes with great concentration and acidity year on year. Craig's wines have a keen following, and for good reason.After travelling extensively in Portugal and Austria learning his craft, Craig Hawkins returned to South Africa and became the winemaker at top Swartland estate Lammershoek. Craig now makes his own wines from various small, organic vineyard sites in Swartland and makes his wine naturally, with as little intervention as possible.If you like a bit of skin contact (& don't we all), try this! -
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All three varieties play an important role - the Shiraz offers dark plum fruits, mulberries and licorice with plenty of concentration, depth and velvety tannin. The Grenache adds a lovely lusciousness to the wine with raspberry, blueberry and floral notes. Finally, the Mourvédre provides lovely red fruits with a hint of dried herb and importantly, a fine chalky tannin that carries all these characters to a long and wonderfully moreish finish.The fruit weight and silkyness means this wine can be enjoyed now, but it will keep developing over time. This wine screams value, recommended with hard cheeses and red meats. -
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The name ‘Stump Jump’ doesn’t relate to the English game of cricket (jumping over the stumps at the end of the game), nor the breeding of livestock held in the stumps but relates to the significant South Australian invention – the Stump Jump plough. The plough soon became a worldwide implement for ploughing fields because of its ability to ride over stumps and gnarled “mallee” Eucalypt roots and snags, saving valuable time and energy by not stopping the draught horse. Every Stump Jump white of late seems to take the drinker on an interesting journey and this one is no exception. A wonderful fresh vibrant appearance with an equally appealing aroma. Notes of florals, cut grass and limes are obvious but as the wine opens up, more complex secondary notes appear such as green melon rind, passionfruit, lavender, wheat germ, and almond kernel characters. The palate is dry with a moderate level of intensity and ripe fruit characters dominated with Riesling florals and limes; the grassy sweetness and elevated acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc while the Roussanne and Marsanne add an earthy, dry stone fruit element, green almond kernels and a lovely viscous character giving textural richness to the finish. The wine has excellent balance and length of flavour which we see as being an essential element in a great value drink. The Stump Jump is at its best drinking while young, and will continue to develop in the bottle over the next three to five years. It is perfect drinking on a warm summer’s day, and a perfect match for a wide variety of light dishes. -
Dandy Douro red is a traditional Douro red blend with 8% Viosinho white, giving exoticism and originality to this red. An open colored wine with notes of cherry and ripe raspberry and some vegetal notes that give it freshness. -
Rocim is the owner of Herdade do Rocim and Vale da Mata. Today, this brand is renowned for the quality of its wine and Cellar. Speaking of its history is speaking of a dream and therefore, it means speaking of the present and future. Because dreams are endless. The “Mariana” Rose is a young and cheerful wine, with generous fruit, freshness and aromatic richness, which reflect the region´s charm. Produced from Touriga Nacional and Aragonez varieties. -
Founded in 1967 by Jacques Seysses, who transforms a newly acquired property into the Dujac domaine, it is now run together with his sons Jeremy, winemaker, and Alec. The property has 17.30 hectares of which a small part cultivated with chardonnay for an average production of less than 80,000 bottles. Jacques and his son Jeremy (whose wife Diana winemaker works in the domaine) are faithful to a very marked pinot noir through the vinification of whole grapes: the wine obtained rarely has a great color, but after a long aging (even beyond the thirty ' years) tertiary aromas do justice to this winemaking. Dujac style is the search for elegance and finesse with integrated and soft tannins always with balance, harmony, length and complexity. At the base the work in the vineyard, serious and rigorous, where the experience and knowledge of technology can help in the small imperfections of the vintage, but without any tampering. The brothers Alec and Jeremy, continuing in their father's work, are today considered among the best interpreters of the Pinot Noir of the Côte de Nuits and the Domaine Dujac can be fully confirmed as one of the most important Burgundy producers. In 2019 Morey has had another very successful vintage, receiving more rainfall in August than anywhere else on the Côte. The limestone subsoil also seems to give the wines a little more bite. The fruit is perfumed, with the classic Morey blueberry touches. The wine has good concentration and an energetic finish.
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