Catalog

This is the Domain which, through its transition to biodynamics and its parcel selections, has in recent years shown the best qualitative progress in the Loire Valley. Crystalline chenins and ripe Cabernet Franc, all bred with mastery to sublimate the purity and identity of the juices, between tension, crunch, refinement and generosity. In white as in red, a dazzling and flawless range. "2013 marks a qualitative and emotional turning point. The latest vintages are exceptional" according to Mr. Bettane. Domain rated three stars in the guide of the Revue du Vin de France.

This is the Domain which, through its transition to biodynamics and its parcel selections, has in recent years shown the best qualitative progress in the Loire Valley. Crystalline chenins and ripe Cabernet Franc, all bred with mastery to sublimate the purity and identity of the juices, between tension, crunch, refinement and generosity. In white as in red, a dazzling and flawless range. "2013 marks a qualitative and emotional turning point. The latest vintages are exceptional" according to Mr. Bettane. Domain rated three stars in the guide of the Revue du Vin de France.

Xavier Copel (the oenologist behind Primo Palatum, whose discontinuation we regretted in 2007) took advantage of the greatness of the 2016 vintage to return under his own name with a new range of 6 red wines, from Bordeaux to Spain. And always with the same specifications: to produce wines that are fine, precise, complex and above all representative of their terroir. To achieve this, it relies on a long-term partnership with only one winegrower per appellation (such as Château Le Cèdre in Cahors).

Xavier Copel has already made his name in the Bettane&Desseauve guide "Careful, elegant, charming wines, whose only defect is the small quantity produced" [only 1200 to 1800 bottles per vintage].

A new generation of winegrowers is waking Cahors up. Rustic wines with coarse tannins are a thing of the past. Make way for digestible, tasty, fruity and velvety malbecs. The duo Matthieu Cosse (the oenologist) / Catherine Maisonneuve (the winegrower) is part of this new Cadurian elite, with a magnificent range of wines where purity, precision and elegance prevail. "Transcending the boundaries of its appellation, the estate is one of the best in France" for Mr. Bettane. Rated two stars in the 2020 Revue du Vin de France guide.

Supple on the palate, beautiful freshness, tannins not very marked, La Fage is a Cahors that is greedy, pleasant and joyful.

A new generation of winegrowers is waking Cahors up. Rustic wines with coarse tannins are a thing of the past. Make way for digestible, tasty, fruity and velvety malbecs. The duo Matthieu Cosse (the oenologist) / Catherine Maisonneuve (the winegrower) is part of this new Cadurian elite, with a magnificent range of wines where purity, precision and elegance prevail. "Transcending the boundaries of its appellation, the estate is one of the best in France" for Mr. Bettane. Rated two stars in the 2020 Revue du Vin de France guide.

Supple on the palate, beautiful freshness, tannins not very marked, La Fage is a Cahors that is greedy, pleasant and joyful.

A new generation of winegrowers is waking Cahors up. Rustic wines with coarse tannins are a thing of the past. Make way for digestible, tasty, fruity and velvety malbecs. The duo Matthieu Cosse (the oenologist) / Catherine Maisonneuve (the winegrower) is part of this new Cadurian elite, with a magnificent range of wines where purity, precision and elegance prevail. "Transcending the boundaries of its appellation, the estate is one of the best in France" for Mr. Bettane. Rated two stars in the 2020 Revue du Vin de France guide.

Cahors de caractère, Les Laquets is long and racy, with a persistent finish (cedar and black fruits), perfectly balanced by a fine and precise maturing. Perfect representation of the Cossse/ Maisonneuve style.

A new generation of winegrowers is waking Cahors up. Rustic wines with coarse tannins are a thing of the past. Make way for digestible, tasty, fruity and velvety malbecs. The duo Matthieu Cosse (the oenologist) / Catherine Maisonneuve (the winegrower) is part of this new Cadurian elite, with a magnificent range of wines where purity, precision and elegance prevail. "Transcending the boundaries of its appellation, the estate is one of the best in France" for Mr. Bettane. Rated two stars in the 2020 Revue du Vin de France guide.

Cahors de caractère, Les Laquets is long and racy, with a persistent finish (cedar and black fruits), perfectly balanced by a fine and precise maturing. Perfect representation of the Cossse/ Maisonneuve style.

A new generation of winegrowers is waking Cahors up. Rustic wines with coarse tannins are a thing of the past. Make way for digestible, tasty, fruity and velvety malbecs. The duo Matthieu Cosse (the oenologist) / Catherine Maisonneuve (the winegrower) is part of this new Cadurian elite, with a magnificent range of wines where purity, precision and elegance prevail. "Transcending the boundaries of its appellation, the estate is one of the best in France" for Mr. Bettane. Rated two stars in the 2020 Revue du Vin de France guide.

Located in Gelos, this small estate (2 ha on the top of a hill facing the Pyrenees) is the most oriental of the Jurançon appellation. Replanted in 2005 and immediately converted to organic farming, Sarros proves with its dry whites that manseng (small or large) is indeed one of the greatest French white grape varieties. These frank, vibrant wines are a credit to the appellation and offer unrivalled value for money.

La Contrée is a blend of gros manseng, lauzet and petit manseng. A lively, even nervous wine, with a fresh nose divided between white flowers, lemon verbena and citrus fruits.

Located in Gelos, this small estate (2 ha on the top of a hill facing the Pyrenees) is the most oriental of the Jurançon appellation. Replanted in 2005 and immediately converted to organic farming, Sarros proves with its dry whites that manseng (small or large) is indeed one of the greatest French white grape varieties. These frank, vibrant wines are a credit to the appellation and offer unrivalled value for money.

"La Vallée Heureuse" is composed of 100% small manseng. The characteristic aromas of the grape variety (pineapple and peach) are revealed behind the hazelnut notes brought by the maturing process. A harmonious gastronomic wine, with a long and delicate finish.

After a degree in chemistry, Maxime Salharang chose, somewhat by chance, to go into oenology. He trained in several great Bordeaux châteaux (Smith Haut-Lafitte, Carbonnieux) and was introduced to biodynamics at the Domaine de Souch in Jurançon, before going into his own vineyards at Clos Larrouyat (3 ha) with his wife Lucie. The full eastern exposure and the unique specificity of the subsoil (clay and pebbles rolled on a strip of Trias) give his wines a delicate freshness, intensity, minerality and length rare for the appellation. The work and thoughtful application of the Salharang couple convince us that Clos Larrouyat is a future great of the appellation.

"Météore" is a blend of 30% gros manseng and 70% petit manseng, aged for 6 months in non-new barrels. Fresh and delicate, lively and intense, with a marked saline touch on the finish.

After a degree in chemistry, Maxime Salharang chose, somewhat by chance, to go into oenology. He trained in several great Bordeaux châteaux (Smith Haut-Lafitte, Carbonnieux) and was introduced to biodynamics at the Domaine de Souch in Jurançon, before going into his own vineyards at Clos Larrouyat (3 ha) with his wife Lucie. The full eastern exposure and the unique specificity of the subsoil (clay and pebbles rolled on a strip of Trias) give his wines a delicate freshness, intensity, minerality and length rare for the appellation. The work and thoughtful application of the Salharang couple convince us that Clos Larrouyat is a future great of the appellation.

"Comète"  is a top-of-the-range cuvée: selection of free-run juice, 75% Petit Manseng (for the aromatic palette) and 25% Camaralet (for the structure in the mouth). A wine of irreproachable purity, complex and with a remarkable length, enhanced by the saline touch which is the trademark of the estate. Bravo !

After a degree in chemistry, Maxime Salharang chose, somewhat by chance, to go into oenology. He trained in several great Bordeaux châteaux (Smith Haut-Lafitte, Carbonnieux) and was introduced to biodynamics at the Domaine de Souch in Jurançon, before going into his own vineyards at Clos Larrouyat (3 ha) with his wife Lucie. The full eastern exposure and the unique specificity of the subsoil (clay and pebbles rolled on a strip of Trias) give his wines a delicate freshness, intensity, minerality and length rare for the appellation. The work and thoughtful application of the Salharang couple convince us that Clos Larrouyat is a future great of the appellation.

The sweet "Phoenix", a 100% small manseng, is cloudy because of its low sugar content and its freshness. The aromatic intensity (verbena, pineapple, tangerine, citrus zest) of petit manseng is expressed without heaviness thanks to its tractable vivacity and its measured liquor.

Ten years after she settled (2007) at Domaine de Cébène (11 ha), Brigitte Chevalier has fully succeeded in her wager: to reveal the purity, complexity and tannic finesse of her schist terraces in the northern part of the Faugères appellation, through a gentle and attentive viticulture without artifice. "Like Clos Manou in the Médoc" as M. Quarin wrote. Promoted one star in the 2020 guide Revue du Vin de France "Cébène is now part of the elite of Faugères".

"Ex Arena" Grenache (85%) the way we like it: absolutely delicious, with an ultra-fine and soft mouthfeel.

Ten years after she settled (2007) at Domaine de Cébène (11 ha), Brigitte Chevalier has fully succeeded in her wager: to reveal the purity, complexity and tannic finesse of her schist terraces in the northern part of the Faugères appellation, through a gentle and attentive viticulture without artifice. "Like Clos Manou in the Médoc" as M. Quarin wrote. Promoted one star in the 2020 guide Revue du Vin de France "Cébène is now part of the elite of Faugères".

"Les Bancèls" is a blend of the 4 grape varieties of the estate: syrah/grenache/carignan/mourvèdre, on schist. A melting wine, with an intense and racy fruitiness, bravo !

Ten years after she settled (2007) at Domaine de Cébène (11 ha), Brigitte Chevalier has fully succeeded in her wager: to reveal the purity, complexity and tannic finesse of her schist terraces in the northern part of the Faugères appellation, through a gentle and attentive viticulture without artifice. "Like Clos Manou in the Médoc" as M. Quarin wrote. Promoted one star in the 2020 guide Revue du Vin de France "Cébène is now part of the elite of Faugères".

"Les Bancèls" is a blend of the 4 grape varieties of the estate: syrah/grenache/carignan/mourvèdre, on schist. A melting wine, with an intense and racy fruitiness, bravo !

Ten years after she settled (2007) at Domaine de Cébène (11 ha), Brigitte Chevalier has fully succeeded in her wager: to reveal the purity, complexity and tannic finesse of her schist terraces in the northern part of the Faugères appellation, through a gentle and attentive viticulture without artifice. "Like Clos Manou in the Médoc" as M. Quarin wrote. Promoted one star in the 2020 guide Revue du Vin de France "Cébène is now part of the elite of Faugères".

"Belle Lurette" est composée d'une majorité de vieux carignan (70 ans et +), plantés sur schistes il y a "belle lurette", avec mourvèdre et grenache. Tout à la fois frais, velouté et distingué, un vin exemplaire pour tout le Languedoc.

Ten years after she settled (2007) at Domaine de Cébène (11 ha), Brigitte Chevalier has fully succeeded in her wager: to reveal the purity, complexity and tannic finesse of her schist terraces in the northern part of the Faugères appellation, through a gentle and attentive viticulture without artifice. "Like Clos Manou in the Médoc" as M. Quarin wrote. Promoted one star in the 2020 guide Revue du Vin de France "Cébène is now part of the elite of Faugères".

"Felgaria" is the estate's top-of-the-range cuvée: 50% mourvèdre on the south-facing heights, supplemented with north-facing syrah and grenache, matured in 500-litre barrels. Pulpy, silky, magnificent balance between richness and softness, a cuvée of great class, "one of the best southern wines I know" for Mr. Quarin.

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

La Montesa is the Domaine's main cuvée, sweet, velvety and aged in barrels for 12 months. One of the most popular wines in Spain.

Nephew of Piero Antinori (Tignanello, Solaia...), Nicolo Lenzi is based in Bolgheri as well as Sassicaia, in the coastal part of Tuscany so favorable to the Bordeaux grape varieties. His cuvée Eva, 100% Cabernet Franc, gave in 2016 an intense wine but above all remarkable for the softness of its tannic structure. This great seducer is the best possible introduction to the wines of Tuscany.

Nephew of Piero Antinori (Tignanello, Solaia...), Nicolo Lenzi is based in Bolgheri as well as Sassicaia, in the coastal part of Tuscany so favorable to the Bordeaux grape varieties. His cuvée Eva, 100% Cabernet Franc, gave in 2016 an intense wine but above all remarkable for the softness of its tannic structure. This great seducer is the best possible introduction to the wines of Tuscany.

The story of Luca d'Attoma in Tuscany is the same as that of Stéphane Derenoncourt in Bordeaux. First of all, Luca d'Attoma is one of the most famous oenologists in Italy for having worked since 1991 as a consultant in mythical fields such as Tua Rita or Macchiole. In 2000, he decided to create his own vineyard, Duemani, which quickly became a cult in Tuscany. The 7 ha cover a natural amphitheatre 9 km from the Mediterranean, facing west, with very low fertility soil (clay and stone). Integral biodynamic cultivation (Demeter).

Altrovino, 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot, matured in vats. Black fruit oriented, a luxurious and extroverted wine.

The story of Luca d'Attoma in Tuscany is the same as that of Stéphane Derenoncourt in Bordeaux. First of all, Luca d'Attoma is one of the most famous oenologists in Italy for having worked since 1991 as a consultant in mythical fields such as Tua Rita or Macchiole. In 2000, he decided to create his own vineyard, Duemani, which quickly became a cult in Tuscany. The 7 ha cover a natural amphitheatre 9 km from the Mediterranean, facing west, with very low fertility soil (clay and stone). Integral biodynamic cultivation (Demeter).

Suisassi, 100% Syrah, aged in barrels (70% new) of French oak. A syrah in a very ripe and opulent expression.

Marco de Grazia is passionate about the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, which he calls "Mediterranean Burgundy". Nowhere else is there such geological diversity, the subsoil being a yarrow made up of innumerable lava flows, each with its own mineral composition. Moreover, because of the altitude, the grapes benefit from a slow and progressive "northern" maturity, combining fruitiness, freshness, richness and power.

In 2002, he created the Domain of Terre Nere in the northeast of Etna, between 600 m and 1000 m altitude, organically cultivated and planted with old vines more than 50 years old: carricante for the whites and nerello (mascalese and cappuccio) for the reds. The analogy with Burgundy continues as Mr. de Grazia harvests, vinifies and bottles each parcel separately like a Burgundian climate.

Calderara Sottana white, 100% carricante aged from 15 to 60 years, is a lively, mineral and fat wine, with aromas of grapefruit, orange blossom and aniseed. Classified by Mr. de Grazia as a Premier Cru, an absolutely remarkable white proving once again that the Mediterranean islands, whether French, Italian or Greek, are ideal for making some of the best dry whites in the world.

Marco de Grazia is passionate about the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, which he calls "Mediterranean Burgundy". Nowhere else is there such geological diversity, the subsoil being a yarrow made up of innumerable lava flows, each with its own mineral composition. Moreover, because of the altitude, the grapes benefit from a slow and progressive "northern" maturity, combining fruitiness, freshness, richness and power.

In 2002, he created the Domain of Terre Nere in the northeast of Etna, between 600 m and 1000 m altitude, organically cultivated and planted with old vines more than 50 years old: carricante for the whites and nerello (mascalese and cappuccio) for the reds. The analogy with Burgundy continues as Mr. de Grazia harvests, vinifies and bottles each parcel separately like a Burgundian climate.

Always in reference to Burgundy, "Feudo di Mezzo" and "Moganazzi" are classified as Premier Cru by Mr. de Grazia. Both 100% nerello over 50 years old, Feudo di Mezzo is precocious and silky when Moganazzi is more austere but also longer and more refined. Rated respectively 90+ and 92+/100 by d'Agata (Vinous).

Marco de Grazia is passionate about the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, which he calls "Mediterranean Burgundy". Nowhere else is there such geological diversity, the subsoil being a yarrow made up of innumerable lava flows, each with its own mineral composition. Moreover, because of the altitude, the grapes benefit from a slow and progressive "northern" maturity, combining fruitiness, freshness, richness and power.

In 2002, he created the Domain of Terre Nere in the northeast of Etna, between 600 m and 1000 m altitude, organically cultivated and planted with old vines more than 50 years old: carricante for the whites and nerello (mascalese and cappuccio) for the reds. The analogy with Burgundy continues as Mr. de Grazia harvests, vinifies and bottles each parcel separately like a Burgundian climate.

Always in reference to Burgundy, "Feudo di Mezzo" and "Moganazzi" are classified as Premier Cru by Mr. de Grazia. Both 100% nerello over 50 years old, Feudo di Mezzo is precocious and silky when Moganazzi is more austere but also longer and more refined. Rated respectively 90+ and 92+/100 by d'Agata (Vinous).

Marco de Grazia is passionate about the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, which he calls "Mediterranean Burgundy". Nowhere else is there such geological diversity, the subsoil being a yarrow made up of innumerable lava flows, each with its own mineral composition. Moreover, because of the altitude, the grapes benefit from a slow and progressive "northern" maturity, combining fruitiness, freshness, richness and power.

In 2002, he created the Domain of Terre Nere in the northeast of Etna, between 600 m and 1000 m altitude, organically cultivated and planted with old vines more than 50 years old: carricante for the whites and nerello (mascalese and cappuccio) for the reds. The analogy with Burgundy continues as Mr. de Grazia harvests, vinifies and bottles each parcel separately like a Burgundian climate.

"Calderara Sottana" and "San Lorenzo" are two vineyards located on the Ellittico Crater flows, dating back 15,000-60,000 years and renowned for their great geological complexity. They are made up of 100% nerello vines between 50 and 100 years old and are both classified as Grand Cru by Mr. de Grazia. Two wines brimming with richness, full-bodied and smooth, with a denser tannic structure in San Lorenzo, rated 91+ and 92+/100 by d'Agata (Vinous) respectively.

Marco de Grazia is passionate about the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, which he calls "Mediterranean Burgundy". Nowhere else is there such geological diversity, the subsoil being a yarrow made up of innumerable lava flows, each with its own mineral composition. Moreover, because of the altitude, the grapes benefit from a slow and progressive "northern" maturity, combining fruitiness, freshness, richness and power.

In 2002, he created the Domain of Terre Nere in the northeast of Etna, between 600 m and 1000 m altitude, organically cultivated and planted with old vines more than 50 years old: carricante for the whites and nerello (mascalese and cappuccio) for the reds. The analogy with Burgundy continues as Mr. de Grazia harvests, vinifies and bottles each parcel separately like a Burgundian climate.

"Calderara Sottana" and "San Lorenzo" are two vineyards located on the Ellittico Crater flows, dating back 15,000-60,000 years and renowned for their great geological complexity. They are made up of 100% nerello vines between 50 and 100 years old and are both classified as Grand Cru by Mr. de Grazia. Two wines brimming with richness, full-bodied and smooth, with a denser tannic structure in San Lorenzo, rated 91+ and 92+/100 by d'Agata (Vinous) respectively.