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This fortified wine has been produced in Mouchão since the winery was built in 1901. The best grapes from Alicante Bouschet were harvested by hand and trodden by foot in traditional stone presses. The grapes are gently macerated until the fermentation process begins in order to develop a round, subtle and soft mouthfeel. After 120 years, this fortified dessert wine continues to be essential in the homes of Alentejo families at Christmas time. Sold and consumed young, mainly at the beginning of December of the same year of production. Nowadays its popularity is growing outside the festive season and is served in restaurants, very cold after meals. A very traditional and forming part of the tradition of the Northeast Alentejo. -
Dow’s is owned and managed by the fourth generation of the Symington family, Port producers since the 19th Century. The family, whose experience dates back over 100 years, supervises all the vineyards, winemaking and ageing of this wine. Dow’s owns two of the Douro’s finest Quintas, Senhora da Ribeira and Bomfim. They were acquired in 1890 and 1896, making Dow’s one of the first houses to invest in premium vineyards. Nirvana is a special Port made to complement chocolate. Port pairs wonderfully with many foods, but few as perfectly and pleasurably as chocolate. Dow’s wine making team set out together with the help of ‘The Flanders Taste Foundation’ in Belgium to craft a Port that would provide the ultimate match for chocolate. After a series of tastings supported by scientific analysis to identify the key flavour components of both Port and Dark Chocolate the blend was refined accentuating the floral aromas and the tannic structure o -
Warre’s launch of Otima 10 & 20 Year Old Tawny caused a revolution in Port that introduced a completely new concept to consumers, helping to rejuvenate Port’s image in the main markets. Otima is now widely acknowledged as the most successful new development in the Port trade for over 25 years. The merit of Otima was to show Port’s versatility as an all year round, anytime drink, dispelling many of the myths attached to Port. Serve it chilled and pair it with the stinkish cheeses you most fancy -
Kopke, a house specialising in aged tawny and aged white ports, is the oldest established port producer, in existence since 1638. There are special places in the world. Kopke found one of them. Quinta de São Luiz is located on the left bank of the river Douro, near Pinhão, in the parish of Tabuaço. It is an imposing estate, considered one of the most emblematic of the Douro region. The Quinta has gone through two major changes: on the one hand, the construction of the Bagaúste dam, with the consequent rise of the water level and the loss of vineyard land; on the other, the enlargement of the total area with the acquisition of several other properties in the area. The estate is made up of 125 hectares, 90 of which are planted with vines. The main grape varieties grown here are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão. There are also small plots of Tinta Barroca and Souzão. The vines are classified as A, the highest grade in the Demarcated Region of the Douro. Irresistible with a starter of foie gras with aubergine and walnuts. A great choice for an endless array of desserts, such as toffee brownies, chocolate and pistachio pavé, or crostini of walnuts with chèvre. When teh weather picks up or the height of the Summer, serving this Port slightly chilly is a must. -
Their Vineyard is located in the south eastern corner of Sardinia in a rolling hill area looking at the sea of the Gulf of Cagliari. Vines with an average age of forty years our vineyards are able to express the best from the terroir of the south Sardinia. A unique terroir with the Sette Fratelli mountains, the tallest ones of the south of the island, just a mile away from the winery, behind them the beatiful beaches overlooking the Thyreenian sea. Pair with seafood in general, fish and delicate meat served with light sauces, soups or pasta. -
Salino is from north from Lisbon (Torres Vedras) and just a step away from the ocean, AdegaMãe brings out the best of a terroir strongly influenced by the prevailing sea breezes, standing out for its Atlantic-inspired wines, brimming with character, freshness and minerality. The winery was built by the Alves family, founder of Riberalves Group, AdegaMãe is born as a tribute from the men to the family’s matriarch, Manuela Alves. On this particular project, 2 star winemakers were asked to do an everydays wine that brings quality and immediate expression to the palate. Pair it with Charcuterie of all sorts, red meats and stews -
The Dafni grape variety was saved from extiction by the Lyrarakis family, when it was planted in the ''Psarades'' family vineyard at 480m altitude in central Crete in the early 90's. It's name derives from the laurel (bay leaf) plant, which its called ''Dafni'' in Greek, as the wines produced resembles these aromas. Pair with fried small Fish, seafood like cuttlefish with spinach, white meat, pulses and pies with greens and aromatic herbs -
Bodegas Zarate is located in the Val do Salnes, named after the ‘sal’ (salt) the Romans used to harvest there. This small but brilliantly run cellar was established in 1920 by Ernesto Zarate, who was pivotal in promoting Albariño in the area. Current winemaker Eulogio Pomares (Ernesto's grandson), studied in Bordeaux and Germany investigating parallels between Albariño and Riesling, his knowledge of the Albariño grape is second to none. Since he took over the management of his family vineyards in 2000, he has focused on improving them. He started to work organically, abandoning mineral fertilisers. Instead, he uses shells from the surrounding coastline which provide the calcium and magnesium the vines need and don’t get from the acidic soils. He also uses local seaweed as compost. In the cellar, he is low intervention and his wines are characterised by their Atlantic freshness and age-worthiness. Pair it with pasta, shellfish, veggie dishes, snacks & appetizers, fish -
Trenzado takes its name from a local vine training method called Cordon Trenzado, in which the branches of the vine are almost braided together and supported on stakes (as pictured on the label). Tenerife has a long and fascinating winemaking history, indigenous varieties such as Listán Negro and Blanco, Tintilla and Baboso Negro. Many vineyards are made up of 100 year-old+ ungrafted vines. Jonatan Garcia runs the family winery that is located in the Orotava Valley on the north side of the island. Many are grown in a traditional trellising system called Cordon Trenzado - vine branches are braided together and supported on stakes, and eventually grow into gnarly arms sometimes several meters in length. The estate has some incredibly old, low-yielding vines and produce wines that have freshness, balance, purity of fruit, minerality and an authentic terroir character. A beautiful wine, perfect for the seasoned Chardonnay drinker, seeking to try something a different. Pair it with grilled fish dishes, shellfish and crustaceans; also well paired with stewed white meats -
Saladini Pilastri is located in Spinetoli, in the Marche region of Italy . The history of the Counts Saladini Pilastri, a noble family from Ascoli Piceno, dates back to the early 1000s, but it is only for around 300 years that the family has been dedicated to wine production. Its 320 hectare wine estate is located in the heart of the Rosso Piceno production area. From the 1970s, new vines were planted; The current winery was built next to the splendid 15th century country house “Vigna Palazzi”, which originally served as a production site, so that all production could be kept in one place. The vineyard has been certified in organic farming since 1994. The climate here is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers tempered by the maritime influence of the Adriatic Sea only 8km away from the vineyards. All the farming is organic and the winery is equipped with all the latest wine-making mod cons, helping speeding up the complex time of production and maintain quality. In true Italian style-Great wine with great food it helps that at the heart of the estate is a plush mansion house with a sweet swimming pool!. True quality of life. If I wasn't Portuguese, Italy would be where I would retire. Food-friendly as they come, its easy-going qualities match well with antipasti or even creamy pasta dishes but especially fish orientated dishes. Goditi il Vino! -
Picollo Gavi Ernesto is perched among the rolling hills that surround the town of Gavi. The climate here is much more mediterranean than in the north, benefiting from the constant maritime breezes, unique to the southern Piedmont. Picollo Ernesto’s vineyards sit near 260 meters above sea level in Rovereto di Gavi, one of the most prestigious area of the appellation. Our 16 hectares of vineyards are planted exclusively with Cortese, a hearty, high acid white varietal, perfectly suited for this area in northern Italy. Cortese thrives in difficult soil, dry climate, and full sun exposure, which Rovereto amply provides. Picollo’s vineyards are predominantly south-facing and the soils have a higher concentration of clay than marl, which allows for year-round water conservation, even in the peak of summer. Lorenzo Picollo founded the winery in 1945. The winemaking and day-to-day management was transferred to his son, Ernesto, and is now in the hands of his grandson, Gianlorenzo. Innovating along the way, Gianlorenzo continues to carry the family’s legacy forward with great success. Their lands are predominantly in the Rovereto zone, the historic Le Rive vineyards are over sixty years old instead their newest purchase of two hectares lies within the zone of Tassarolo. The grapes for all of Picollo’s wines are hand harvested. The winery itself has recently been modernized but the processes remain traditional, with sparing intervention in the winemaking and no artificial pesticides or herbicides used in the vineyards. With the intent of showcasing the Cortese in its purest form. All Gavi’s are fermented and aged exclusively in stainless steel. It is perfect with haute cuisine, ideal for fish dishes and aperitif -
Monte Tondo is a family estate located in the beautiful hillside vineyards of Soave. Here the soils range from volcanic to chalky, which alongside the varying microclimates, gives the wines distinct flavour characteristics and individualistic style.
Alongside his family, winemaker Gino Magnabosco is part of the third generation to run the estate. They believe that hard work, drive, and determination are key to obtaining the best results from their land. Maintaining, nourishing, and cherishing the land of their ancestors is of utmost importance. And although not certified, they farm using organic practices and an environmentally friendly approach to both viticulture and vinification. No chemicals are used in their production and they recycle everything excess coming from the vineyard (stems as fertilizers, skins for grappa, pruned branches for heating and fertilizer).
Small proportions of other varieties are allowed in the production of Soave, but Monte Tondo focus their concentration purely on Garganega. Garganega is a variety so versatile and easily culinary matched but also with the ability to produce complex wines with age-ability.
A very good example of Soave at a very good price. This over-delivers.. Perfect with salads and light fish and shellfish dishes.
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Our top wine is made with special care, from the blending of varieties from our best vineyards. Rich and lush fruitiness in the aroma, delicate elegance and beautiful balance in the taste. -
Bikaver is a Hungarian blend based on Kékfrankos and Kadarka. The two local grapes must together make up at least 50% of the blend, while oak should be used sparingly. Szekszárdi Bikavér is generally medium ruby in colour with pronounced fruit and spice, vibrant acidity and silky, velvety tannins. Its aromatics are characterised by spice, paprika, mint, hibiscus and rosemary as well as red berry fruit, cherry, raspberry and plum. Kékfrankos provides the blend’s backbone, freshness, acidity and pronounced yet silky tannins. While Kadarka is responsible for its floral, spicy notes, which add bewitching lightness to the wine. Of course, as always, much depends on the winemaker’s style too, but what is certain is that Szekszárdi Bikavér is a truly appealing, elegant wine, which speaks of the place of origin. -
An exceptional Kadarka from the Vida winery's 100 year old vines. The history of the name for this wine is also peculiar. One day, Peter Sr. was presenting his winery to one of his Japanese partners. When they were about to approach the vineyards, the gentleman noticed this little vine and jumped off the car and started shouting “BONSAI!” pointing at them. The tiny appearance of these stocks resembles a Bonsai, which in Japanese culture represents wisdom, a wish for long life and is also a symbol of good luck. A small curiosity is that Kadarka is a grape that was widely available before the Soviet union and well praised. With the Iron Curtain nearly fell into extinction, it's delicious but takes a huge effort to grow and is best from old vines. Reminds you of any other grape with certain similarities? -
Sábalo is produced from 100% ecological Palomino Fino grapes and it is a spectacular wine, the true fruit of our many years of expertise. The grapes used to produce this wine are harvested in the white albariza soils of Sanlúcar, and as such the sea, the marshlands and the Guadalquivir River all form part of what is essentially Sábalo’s DNA. -
Roc’h Avel, meaning “the rock of the wind”, is named after a small island off the coast of Brittany. -
Telmo Rodriguez of Basque origin, studied wine at the Institute of Oenology in Bordeaux, before doing internships with Cos d’Estournel, Jean Louis Chave and Trevallon . He also worked in the vinification of wines from the family estate of Remelluri, in Rioja. Then, in 1990, with an investment of just a few thousand euros, he launched his own winery. He buys grapes to produce his first wines. His first plots of property did not arrive until 1997, in Rioja. Paradoxical for someone who was dying to explore new regions. One of the main principles of Telmo Rodriguez is that of respecting the Spanish tradition of cultivating the vine in goblet, because this method of managing the vine protects it from the great heat of Iberian vineyards. He is fiercely opposed to the fashion of trellising vineyards and only buys vines that respect his ideal. Telmo also works in biodynamics but, showing great common sense, he admits that he only does it for the respect of the land and that the mention of organic viticulture has no importance in his eyes. The important thing is that the result is a balanced and tasty wine. The name comes from the 40-year-old 'baso' or bush-trained vines that are planted on limestone-rich soils at over 700-meters elevation on a plateau along the Duero River. Soils are made of gravel from fluvial terraces, erosion slopes and glacis. Pairs great with comfort food, Tapas and Tortillas of all sorts -
Since 1912 the Osborn family have tended vineyardsin Mclaren Vale, South of Australia. Today fourth generation family member Chester(absolutely bonkers of a guy, draws a room in and within 2 minutes has your attention), makes distintive wines using traditional methods both in the vineyards and the winery. The name comes from European settlements that arised in the 1840’s, and with them olive trees have thrived in McLaren Vale. They are alongside roads, in gardens and occasionally, block their harvesters from doing a fully mechanical job! Perfect with Antipasti, asparagus, chicken and fish -
Quinta da Fonte Souto is a new wine project from the Symington family in the exciting Portalegre sub-region of the Alto Alentejo in southern Portugal. -
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is the representation of an ambitious and innovative project of the Soares family, who have transformed a piece of Alentejo land, into one of the most beautiful and charismatic estates in the Alentejo. Located in Albernoa and currently possessing 80 hectares of vineyards, it is here that wines full of personality are created, whose labels are based on the children's drawings of their offspring. In addition to the focus on vines and wine, the estate is also farmed for olive groves and olive oil production, as well as rural and wine tourism activities. -
Estate Grown Morning Fog Chardonnay is named for the morning coastal fog pushed by Pacific wind streams into the bowl of the San Francisco Bay. This daily phenomenon moderates the climate to produce excellent, beautifully balanced Chardonnay.Wente Vineyards is one of the oldest, family run wineries, in America having been established in 1883. The Estate extends to some 3000 acres, 2000 in the San Francisco Bay appellation and 1000 acres in Arroyo Seco, Monterey to the south.Pioneers of the Californian Chardonnay clone Wente claim 80% of all Californian Chardonnay is from the Wente original clone. The family, German in origin, has long been innovators introducing stainless steel fermentation tanks in the 60’s and introducing varietal labelled wines as long ago as the 1930’s. Today, fifth generation winemaker Karl D. Wente carries on the family winemaking tradition. Such a smooth wine is delicious to enjoy alone at any time, but if you prefer to pair it, go for light flavoured meals like white meats, pastas, risottos with no added spice. -
This wine is imported directly and only for Pinto Wines Riesling on Schist makes its terroir apparent with a livewire acidity and snap, rocky, chalky and mineral. Low yielding parcels. Long and driving, a little structure from 2022. The Durrmann family are making wine from their old family house in the middle of Andlau, a beautiful village nestled on the first slopes of the Vosges mountains south-west of Strasbourg. With a surface of only 1,5 hectare at the beginning in 1979, the domaine gradually reached a total surface of seven hectares after André decided to move back to farming and pieced it together from abandoned vineyard sites that were hard to work and no longer commercially viable, coming from his grandfather who made shoes to supplement the farm income. This lack of an established and family-based wine making tradition initially presented a weakness because the whole business had to be built, but it is also a strength because the company wasn’t limited to traditional customs, and therefore has always been oriented toward innovation. The vineyards are now scattered on about 30 spots around the village. They added parcels progressively when opportunities showed up and looked also for different soil qualities so that the cuvées express several terroirs. The Durrmans think that the quality of the wine is created by the work in the vineyard, that’s why their objective is its preservation. The wines are being disturbed as little as possible. They do not add any oenological product to change the natural taste of the wines. The production is partly vinified in inox tank and partly in old wooden casks. Son Yann has worked in the domaine since he was a child and officially took over the running of the business a year ago. André was among the first wave of organic winemakers in Alsace converting in 1998, Yann has then taken this a step further applying a more natural approach in the cellar. Selected cuvées are produced without sulfur addition since 2007. The Durrmanns are true eco warriors only having electric cars and using solar energy for hot water and heating. Pair it with Pork, Seafood, Curries, Spicy dishes -
On the border between Roussillon and Corbières, in the heart of the Maury appellation, is the Domaine de la Petite Baigneuse . Philippe Wies, accompanied by his wife Céline, settled at the end of the 2000s, on the superb Maury shale terroirs, at an altitude of 350 meters with breathtaking views of the big blue sea. Surrounded by scrubland and protected by an environment of cliffs, the 14 hectares of vines benefit from a Mediterranean climate tempered by the wind and maritime inlets. Organic since the beginning of the adventure, the Petite Baigneuse estate also practices biodynamics and only works the soil very little. Some plowing is then carried out with a tractor and a tracker so as not to overturn the horizons. Not far from Calce's friends in the people of La Nouvelle Donne , and Domaine Jean-Philippe Padié , Philippe Wies is today an essential figure in the world of natural wines in the south of France. "Juste Ciel", a wine that calls for summer, fresh grilled fish, marinated supions, sea urchins, carpaccio de Saint Jacques.... In short, "La Petite Baigneuse" delivers here a wine to be enjoyed by the poolside with a Mediterranean meal thanks to its delicacy, its freshness and its notes of candied fruits. A very nice white wine to share with a nice meal. -
This Sur La Lune from Le Clos du Gravillas is a dazzling expanse of white limestone pebbles on a plateau at an altitude of 300 meters in the Haut Languedoc Natural Park. Between the gorges of St Chinian and Minerve, surrounded by scrubland and holm oaks, the 8.30 hectare estate is managed with respect for the terroir, in organic farming with concern for the preservation of the biodiversity of fauna and the surrounding flora. This wine comes from 3 plots on the Cazelles plateau: Syrah from a place called “Esperandieu”, a very pretty place surrounded by hills covered with scrubland, almond trees, broom and oaks where they also planted 48 pomegranate trees, 25 fig trees as well as cherry and apricot trees. The 80 year old vine of Carignan planted with Grenache from the place called Carretals and the 40-year-old Carignan vine from the place called Roque de Beau. Serve rather chilled but not too cold, ensuring that the wine does not heat up excessively in the bottle or in the glasses. A slight opening time prior to service may be beneficial.vThis wine beyond all the technicallities and sense of place it is a straight wine without organoleptic deviation, without volatile phenols, pure, with perfect control and ultimately delicious. Slainte! -
Quinta da Fonte Souto is in the Portalegre subregion of the Alto Alentejo in southern Portugal. Close to the São Mamede range (1,025 metres), the property benefits from the area’s altitude with its cooler microclimate in sharp contrast to the Alentejo region’s typically hot and dry conditions. Yields are low due to the schist and granite soils, which are less fertile than those found in the flat and rolling terrain which characterizes the majority of the Alentejo. -
Casa Ermelinda Freitas
The warmth of the Portuguese sun is tempered at Casa Ermelinda thanks to the breezes blowing in from the Atlantic that lies close by. Located at Palmela on the peninsula of Setubal, close to the Sado estuary south of Lisbon, there are currently 440 hectares of many different kinds of vines across the domain, with grapes supplied locally from a further 500ha or so. Head of the company Leonor Freitas has worked tirelessly to make many improvements out in the vineyards and in the winery where modern equipment goes hand in hand with traditional values under the skilled guidance of winemaker Jaime Quendera. Casa Ermelinda Freitas has been run by a long line of dynamic women, celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2020.
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The 1552 Siege of Eger became an emblem of Hungarian heroism when the castle was successfully defended against the united forces of the two greatest Ottoman troops. When accounted for the defeat of their 20-fold army, the Ottoman leaders claimed the Hungarians - including women - fought with such an unparalleled courage they must have had drank the bull’s blood. This gave the name to the region’s emblematic red blend, Egri Bikavér (bull’s blood of Eger). Every bottle is embossed with “1552 Eger". This wine is the truest representation of the legendary Egri Bikavér. Cool climate, volcanic soil with the combination of the best sites in Eger give rise to the fresh, spicy, ripe, vibrant fruits with a touch of leafiness from firm but well integrated, round tannins. Let it explode untamed out of a slightly chilled bottle. The founder of the winery, Tibor Gál was asked by none other than Ludovico Antinori himself to join Ornellaia in 1989 where he soon became the chief winemaker. One of his greatest achievements was the 1998 Ornellaia which was voted best wine in the world by Wine Spectator in 2001. Meanwhile Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the man behind Sassicaia, partnered with Gál and together they founded their winery in Eger. Tibor Gál jnr. is in charge today with no less talent. His Bikavér blends are the most honest representations of the volcanic terroir of Eger. Vibrancy, elegance and finesse define the identity of all his wines. I am sure his dad would have been extremely proud to have seen his son become the pioneer of a new era of Egri Bikavér. -
White Dandy Douro is produced mainly from the Samarrinho grape variety. Freshness and tension combine perfectly with delicacy and an aromatic profile of white fruit, citrus and ground stone -
A Vintage Port is only declared in years of exceptional quality. Quinta do Vesuvio is arguably the most magnificent estate in the Douro valley. Located in the beautiful and austere Port-growing region of the Upper Douro valley, its history dates back to the 16th Century. “The quinta of all quintas – one of the wonders of the world”. At Vesuvio, the work of man and the work of nature achieve a perfect and enduring harmony. More than anywhere else in the Douro it has a haunting and enchanting beauty; when you leave it, you take with you a sense of the place that does not fade with time. -
Those who have tasted this wine know that the ‘simplicity’ of its name is about a philosophy, a family story; yet the wine is seriously complex. A blend of Cabernet Franc and Kékfrankos aged in small barrels – You can expect a seriously complex and rich red wine, while its velvety juiciness and ripe fruitiness really make it dangerously good to drink! 'Inni Jó' translates to 'Drinking is Good' "My younger son Vencel tasted a sip and said, it feels good to drink, then my eldest, Vince, pondered on ‘Drinking is good!’ – so my three-year-old instinctively articulated the essence we all have been working towards for generations." - Ipacs tells the story behind the label. -
Ponte da Barca Rosé is a versatile wine, ideal for moments of celebration. Enjoy it with pleasure in the company of all who are in love with life! -
A juicy, super fruity red with good drinkability, from the Heimann estate. Lots of red fruits, delicious Szekszárd spiciness, subtle and hardly detectable tannins. It’s a real fruit bomb with place-of-growth notes. It's the most exciting when tasted at cellar temperature. -
Eins-Zwei-Zero is a premium range of non-alcoholic wines created by award-winning winemaker Johannes Leitz. Using 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Argentina, these wines are produced with great attention to detail. The alcohol is removed through gentle vacuum distillation at low temperatures, allowing the natural flavours and delicate aromas to be preserved. -
The historic Fritz Haag wine estate is located in the heart of the central Mosel River Valley. The earliest documentation of the estate dates back to 1605. At that time, the village in which it is situated was known as “Dusemond.” In 1925, this village was renamed “Brauneberg” (“brown mountain,” a reference to the color of the slate soil in this area of the Mosel) in an endeavor to further promote the reputation of its world-renowned vineyards “Brauneberger Juffer” and “Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr.” Like all the top Mosel producers, Fritz Haag produces a range of wines including some very rich, late harvest dessert wines. These wines put the region on the map for luxury wine in the 17 and 1800s, making some Mosel Riesling more pricey and coveted than first growth Bordeaux. But in truth the wines that the locals drank, especially in the summer, were generally off dry to completely bone dry. Fritz Haag's vineyards sit along the slopes of the Brauneberger hill and the vineyards of Juffer and Juffer Sonnenuhr. Brauneberger faces almost entirely south which makes it a bit easier to get fully ripe Riesling in the classically cold, wet Mosel. That has changed a bit recently of course, but this is still a prized site for wines that perfectly balance finesse and power, complexity and airy drinkability. This specific wine is a VDP GG or Grosse Lage which is equivalent to a Grand Cru. -
Domaine la Fourmone is a multi-generational domaine and is currently run by sister, Florentine and brother, Albin Combe. The property dates back to the mid-1700’s when it originally producing wheat. Wine began to be grown in the last 19th century and thent became the crop after Julien Combe purchased the property in 1910. The domaine cultivates 41 ha (104 acres) of vineyards of which, 20ha are in Vacqueyras, 10ha are in Gigondas and 7ha of Côtes-du-Rhône and IGP and 4ha of vines on the southern edge of the Dentelles hills that reside in the Ventoux appellation. “Les Ceps d’Or” comes from a blend of mainly Grenache and Mourvèdre. It expresses the imprint of the 50 years of our goblet-pruned vines. The berries are delicately harvested on the northern and eastern limits of the Vacqueyras appellation. The plots come from two islands located on the plateau of the appellation at the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a massif well known for its geological richness. The first islet is located in the Piedmont de Beauregard region. The soil is made up of dark beige marly silts, cut by broken slabs of Miocene molasses at a depth of one meter. This terroir requires a lot of effort from the vines to slide their rootlets into the cracks and deploy meters of roots. This effort gives the wine a singular complexity and aromatic richness. The second islet is located at the northern limit of the Cône de la Font des Papes terroir. A surface of light beige clay-sandy silt with small limestone fragments with a well-developed root profile up to two meters deep. The materials from this terroir have all the criteria favorable to the vine: freshness and good water reserve. -
Located on the right bank of the Vienne Valley, between Tours and Saumur, Domaine Grosbois is an old fortified farm built in the 15th century which today covers 20 hectares of vines. Now run by two brothers, Nicolas and Sylvain, the family vineyards are located at a place called “The Pressoir” Panzoult in the Chinon appellation at the heart of the Loire Valley. The winemaking here is concentrated solely on the production of red wines made from the Cabernet Franc grape. Nicolas has been at the domaine since 2005 after returning from ten years working as a travelling winemaker, gaining experience in locations as diverse as the Minervois, Chile, Oregon (Adelsheim), Australia (Brokenwood) and New Zealand (Pegasus Bay). His first vintage was in 2006 where he worked alongside his father, Jacques (who had previously been more inclined to sell off the production in cubitainer). Jacques retired, or at least withdrew, in 2008 allowing Nicolas to develop the domaine in the way he intended to continue, converting to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The winemaking philosophy at Grosbois is centred around the idea of micro-site specificity with the various Cabernet Franc bottling's reflecting the 19 unique plots of vines on the Panzoult Hill, all of which had been strategically planted according to their geological characteristics. Once in the cellar, Nicolas lets the grapes speak for themselves, keeping a light hand at winemaking. He ferments in open concrete tanks with indigenous yeast, uses no oak and minimal filtration, so what you find in the final wine is a pure expression of a teeny parcel of Chinon. Pair it with roast duck with peppers. Serve after slight aeration
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